John 16:33
33 These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.
Time: John most likely wrote between A.D. 85 and 90. John's purpose in writing was, "that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name (John 20:31)."
What the Lord is Speaking: Jesus has been voicing a lot of ideas - and now Jesus says that all that He has been saying has been in order for people to have peace. Yes, this is what I have studied and seen with the words Jesus has spoken in these last several chapters, from chapter 14 on - peace and comfort. He is leaving but He wants the disciples to have comfort in these words.
Jesus says to the disciples that they will experience tribulation. But Jesus mentions that he has overcome the world. The world is a place of difficulty and trial, but with Jesus by our side, we can walk through life with that comfort and peace that Jesus has overcome the world. Trials are not the end of us. But they are part of life.
No need to be surprised by tribulations. I just finished a study on trials from
a message was recommended to me from Skip Heitzig. He thought of these questions:
1 How do you react when various forms of testing's come into your life?
2 Do you complain about the misfortunes of life or do you thank God for them?
3 Do you advertise your trials, broadcasting them, making sure everybody knows how bad things are for you — or do you bear them quietly?
4 Do you live in the future waiting for things to improve or do you live in the present letting the hardship change your attitude for the better right now?
5 Do you indulge in self pity and seek sympathy from others or do you commit yourself to a life of service for others?
I thought these were great thoughts to ponder in my life.
Summary: Jesus offers additional encouragement to the disciples that though they will experience trials, He has overcome the world and therefore they will have comfort.
Promise: Let the world do its worst; if we are in Christ, we will be glorified with Christ.
Prayer: O God, it is hard to hear that trials are inevitable and yet this is a reality in our lives. They are coming. The importance for us is knowing that God is there for us and protecting us and that He has overcome the world and so we can have comfort in this and can know that God is on the throne and will take care of us. You are there God. We need you. You are present.
Note: If you are interested in other studies/devotions, check out my index of Bible Study's.
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