You May Have Peace

Day 147: John 16:1-33

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 ESV

In this farewell discourse (John 14-17), Jesus' goal was to prepare His disciples for what was coming. Any time we step into a new season, it can be easy to start panicking about all the unknowns. In their case, they were understandably disturbed at His insistence on the fact that He was going away, yet coming back, then going away (again).

Jesus wanted his disciples to have peace (eirene), literally, perfect calm. Yet He says they should have an expectation of tribulation (other translations read trouble). How can these two things co-exist? It is obvious that Jesus is saying that this is the reality for anyone who wishes to follow Him.

It isn't going to be easy. Actually, many will die for their faith in Jesus. Yet, at the same time, this is going to give you a deep-down peace that no one can come close to replicating or administering. Only God can consistently calm our souls.

Expect trouble.

Expect peace.

Walk with Jesus, led by the ever-present help of the Holy Spirit.

Live the good life.

"The Greek verb translated overcome is νικάω (nikaō). It is related to the name of Nike, the Greek winged goddess of victory. It means to ‘win a victory’ or to ‘conquer.’ ‘Overcome’ conveys this idea, but on a smaller scale than the Greek verb suggests. This is the word of triumphant generals and emperors, of world conquerors. It is a word for the Julius Caesars and the Alexander the Greats of the world. And it is directed against the current king of the hill, the “prince of this world” (Satan, v. 11). By cheating death Jesus demolishes the chief stranglehold of fear that Satan maintains over humanity (see 1 Cor 15:26)." - Bryant, B. H., & Krause, M. S. (1998). John (Jn 16:33)