Jesus has Overcome the World
October 7, 2019
Commentary
Back in John 14:5, Thomas had said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” And in John 16:28 Jesus spoke plainly, saying, “I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” This answer pleased the disciples. They felt as though they finally understood (v. 29). It’s true that the disciples understood much. They knew that Jesus was the Son of God. They knew that Jesus was all knowing. They knew His Word was indisputably true and accurate (v. 30), beyond human reason or doubt. They knew Jesus came from God. They knew all this, yet they still had much to learn.
Jesus questioned their claim to faith, asking “Do you believe?” Jesus knew their limitations far better than they did (v. 31). Despite their tremendous affirmation of faith, they would soon fail miserably, deserting Him when He was arrested (v. 31). Jesus said, “Each of you will return home, leaving me alone. But the Father will be with me. I won’t be alone” (v. 32). No matter how strong we think we are in our faith and understanding, we are still capable of failing. We must practice our faith and apply our understanding if we want to stand firm when the time of testing comes. Jesus’ instructions were intended to sustain them in a world of tribulation, to give them peace in Him who has overcome the world (v. 33).
Paul said it best in Ephesians 3:13 and 16, “For he (Jesus) himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility … and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”
John 1:5 tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” In today’s passage, Jesus says “But take heart, I have overcome the world.” (v. 33).
Application
On your darkest days, you can remind yourself, we are on the victory side. On the cross Jesus won the victory for us over the world, the flesh, and the devil. And He is our peace in this world of troubles. Let us cling to him today. Let us strive to know him more and more.
John 16:29– 33 (NET)
29 His disciples said, “Look, now you are speaking plainly and not in obscure figures of speech! 30 Now we know that you know everything and do not need anyone to ask you anything. Because of this we believe that you have come from God.”
31 Jesus replied, “Do you now believe? 32 Look, a time is coming—and has come—when you will be scattered, each one to his own home, and I will be left alone. Yet I am not alone, because my Father is with me. 33 I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage —I have conquered the world.”