Our scripture this morning is John 16:25-33.
“I have said these things to you in figures of speech. The hour is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures, but will tell you plainly of the Father. On that day you will ask in my name. I do not say to you that I will ask the Father on your behalf; for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and have come into the world; again, I am leaving the world and am going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 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!”
Jesus is preparing His disciples for the time He will no longer be with them physically. He warns them that they too will be persecuted by the world, but comforts them, saying “take courage; I have conquered the world!” (v. 33). This statement is His promise to us that while evil may make us uncomfortable here temporarily, our eternal souls can be saved through His sacrifice.
This passage tells us the disciples finally express their belief in Jesus as God’s Son. Although He tells them they will be scattered, He says He will not be alone, and by their faith, the Father will be with them as well. This is the strength and protection God offers all who confess Jesus as Lord.
We must continue in His strength, willing to face the trials that will surely come, just as He did. Jesus has shown us that the world and even death have no power over Him. Our faith is the answer to evil in the world, and Jesus will return in final victory.
Loving Lord, our lives are a gift from You, along with everything in creation. Help us to use all the resources You have given us to make the world a better place, and share the joy of our connection to You. Amen.