John 16:33 “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.”

As many time as I have quoted this verse, in countless contexts and not just messages, I still can’t help writing on it yet again. Jesus has just told His disciples very clearly that He was about to leave them and go to the Father. (verse 28) Despite their relief at being spoken to plainly, this had to be pretty upsetting information. For over three years they had spent essentially their every waking hour with Him, and the idea that that was going to end had to be a tremendous blow. They still didn’t know the absolutely horrible circumstances Jesus’ initial departure would involve, so Jesus was warning them, as gently as He could, so that, as He says here, they could have some degree, at least, of peace. They simply could not imagine, as none of us could have in their place, how it was all going to work out, so He cushioned the blow as best He could with these words. We too need to take these words to heart, because we need His peace no less than the disciples present did. Just a few minutes before this, Jesus had said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) The disciples were going to have plenty of reason to be unpeaceful and afraid, and here Jesus acknowledges that fully. That’s why it’s so powerful that He tells them, “Take heart, for I have overcome the world.” It has deeply impressed me that He said this before He was scourged and crucified. If He had overcome the world, past tense, why did He go through with all of that? Because it was necessary for our redemption, as He took the penalty for the sins of all mankind on Himself. That should give us the assurance that our sins are paid for, that in Him, we are righteous and holy before God. When we have that assurance, we have peace the world cannot shake.

As much as I love this verse, and as assured of salvation as I am, I still lose my peace at times – though not my salvation, as I started to write. My faith is still imperfect, as is my obedience. I must remember and acknowledge that, maintaining full gratitude for God’s absolutely amazing grace. I am to be an instrument of God’s peace to those around me, and I’m certainly imperfect at that. The more I walk and talk with my Lord, the more accurately I will reflect His character, and that is my desire. Jesus told us to “Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” (Matthew 5:48) and the only way I can do that is to be perfectly submitted and obedient to my Lord Jesus.

Father, thank You for this reminder, which also reminds me of how far I have to go! Thank You for the awareness of my own imperfections, and for the awareness of Your grace that overrides all of that. May I apply more and more fully the truth that You have placed in me, for the blessing of those around me and for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!