Day 32
Take Heart, I Have Overcome
Read John 16:16-33
Summary
Jesus told His disciples about what would happen soon. In a little while, they would no longer see Him and they would weep and lament. Yet a little while later, they would see him again and their sorrow would turn into joy. Jesus’ statement was highly confusing to the disciples.
Then Jesus explained about the coming events using an illustration of a woman giving birth. At the time of her labour, she would be in anguish, but that sorrow would quickly turn into joy when the baby was born.
In retrospect, Jesus was foretelling about the coming events. In a little while, the disciples would weep in sorrow when Jesus was arrested, tried, killed and buried in a tomb. Yet after a little while, Jesus would rise from the dead and they would see Him again. At that moment, their sorrow would quickly turn into joy.
In this passage, Jesus also promised the disciples that they would soon have full access to the Father through His name. They could ask directly of the Father in Jesus’ name, and the Father would answer their prayers.
Finally, Jesus warned them that they would soon be scattered, leaving Him alone. Yet the Father would be with Him in that dark hour. While the disciples would face tribulation, they could take heart, because Jesus had already overcome the world!
Reflect
1. Have you encountered a sad time in your life when you faced personal setbacks? How did you cope during this period?
2. Looking at what Jesus promises you in verses 23-24 and verse 33, how can you better prepare yourself to face hard times in the future?
Watch
Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff
YouTube.com/@digitaltheologian
www.digitaltheologian.com
Videos used with permission by Michael Hoff
The passage emphasises the emotional weight of Jesus' final words before His arrest, and focuses on the disciples' struggle to comprehend His message. It underscores that faith is rooted in obedience rather than complete understanding, and that prayer is essential. The text also touches on God's varied responses – yes, no, or wait – and Jesus' assurance of peace amidst impending tribulations.
Reflect
3. Michael Hoff teaches that in prayer, God can say “yes”, "no", or "in a little while" to us. How will you respond to God when He says “no” or “a little while”? Will you continue to trust Him and walk faithfully with Him?
Closing Prayer
Pray for grace to trust in Jesus' victory, strength to endure tribulations, and the joy that comes from knowing Him. Ask Him for a deeper encounter of His peace in times of uncertainty.
Additional Video
Jesus Final Words to His Disciples? Take Heart! I Have OVERCOME the World. John 16:33 in Two Minutes
Jesus' disciples finally get where he's from and in the midst of that revelation, Jesus tells them that they will be scattered and abandon him! In the face of it all, he gives them some of the most comforting words in Scripture in his final words to his followers: In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. This John sermon series adds to the 40 Days with Jesus Gospel of John Bible study series.