The Overcomer

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." -John 16:33

Jesus is addressing the apostles, preparing them for His death, and then resurrection. This is a pretty straight forward verse and one that is quite popular, but it wasn't until I was reading it recently that a few new things hit me.

1. Jesus is still giving assurance to the apostles, easing their fears, while He is speaking of His own death.

2. He is giving the apostles some insight of what is to come- the Holy Spirit, death being defeated, and ultimately Jesus overcoming the world.

3. WE WILL HAVE TROUBLE. Confirmed. Life isn't supposed to be a breeze. (Glad it's not just me)

4. JESUS HAS OVERCOME

5. JESUS HAS OVERCOME

In case you didn't catch it, the last two things I listed are the same thing because it is that important for you to remember.

Jesus knew He was going to die. He knew what awaited Him. I can't wrap my brain around knowing you were going to go through what Jesus was going to go through and then comforting the people around you. I would've for sure taken this opportunity to wallow.

However, Christ chose not to. He said " take heart" and that peace is found in Him.

"Take heart" means to be courageous, remain hopeful, help is arriving shortly. He immediately redirects their attention to eternity and His victory. They would get the peace that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:7)

On the cross, Jesus overcame the curse of death. He did that on our behalf. Death lost its sting. "I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death." -Revelation 1:18

Sin is overcome, death is overcome, hell is overcome, all by Jesus because the grave could not hold Him. ( Go ahead and take a lap, because I know you're ready to run) That was all done on your behalf. So what does this mean? It means that we have been made righteous in God's eyes. "But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation-" - Colossians 1:22

We have been given the gift of eternal life. This promise is just as true as it ever was. Isn't that something to be excited about? Jesus has overcome!

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13

"And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." -Revelation 12:11