“The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. I have said this to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution, but take courage: I have conquered the world!” John 16:32-33 (NRSVUE)
Have you ever known with certainty something will happen before it does? For example, in the winter, when you walk outside and notice a certain gray queerness in the sky, the temperatures are cold, the wind is still, and all of nature is quiet. However, you know with certainty that snow is on the way. You don’t need to listen to a weather forecast; you just know.
In today’s passage, Jesus knows what is coming and is preparing his disciples for the worst. In verse 16, he says, “A little while, and you will no longer see me, and again a little while, and you will see me.” Soon, he will be arrested, face accusation and abuse, and condemned to hang brutally and shamefully upon the cross as a common criminal.
Yet, with the same certainty, Jesus boldly proclaims, “I have conquered the world!” Speaking of the future, he knows beyond the shadow of a doubt he will not be confined to the grave. Yes, he will spend a short time there, but death cannot hold him. He is destined to return to the Father, who will be with him throughout the whole passion that is to come.
In his coming, Jesus ushered in the kingdom of God. He conquered the sinful rift between God and Man created in the rebellion. In his willing sacrifice for us, Jesus offered redemption and reconciliation. In this merciful act of grace, he ushered in a new way. No longer are we bound to the slavery of sin, but we are freed to righteousness.
In this present-future proclamation, Jesus offers peace. He has conquered the world; with him, we too can be conquerors. In the face of adversity, we have the certainty of eternal life. In eternal life, we also acknowledge this present-future context. We have a place of refuge in Christ and the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us in this life, but beyond this mortal realm, we have the future promise of the fullness of God’s kingdom.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the assurance and peace that comes from knowing Jesus has conquered the world. Help us to trust in your plan and your presence, even in the face of adversity. Guide us by your Holy Spirit to live lives of righteousness and faith, looking forward to the promise of eternal life in your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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