John 16:33
I have overcome
Introduction:
Vaccination for Corona was introduced. People were vaccinated. After getting the shot. They used to express their feelings, experiences to those who want to take the vaccine. After I got the vaccination, the first few hours I did not have any pain, but slightly I had a fever and a whole night could not sleep because of the vaccination. Then on the next day, I was perfectly alright and returned to normal life. Now, I boldly say go for vaccination because you can bear it.
Text:
I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have [perfect] peace and confidence. In the world you have tribulation and trials and distress and frustration; but be of good cheer [take courage; be confident, certain, undaunted]! For I have overcome the world. [I have deprived it of power to harm you and have conquered it for you.]
Larger Context:
Jesus washes the feet of his disciples in John 13: 1-17. He predicts his death on the Cross and comforts with the promise of the anointing of the Spirit(John 14). Then he talks about staying in Christ, grafted into the main tree of Life, eternal life (John 15). He foretold the persecutions, sufferings he had to go through in His life (John 16). Then he prays for the whole company of his disciples and their unity, he expressed his love for them(John 17). He ended his prayer by praying for the whole future generations who are going to believe in Him through the messages of the disciples (John 17:20).
Expound:
The world refers to the people around us. The situation in which we are placed. Over-pressed and depressed about various problems we face in our lives. “The unregenerate world would give the apostles trouble. The word “tribulation” carries the idea of intense pressure; trouble would close in all around them. The idea of “tribulation” is something very difficult, not some causal problem. There is a contrast between the life that believers should lead and the reality that they will face. Jesus made it patently clear that believers will face significant trouble in life”(ref: versebyversecommentary.com).
I have overcome the world (AMPC), I have conquered the world (CJB), I have defeated the world (CEV), I have won the battle over the world (NIRV), I have power over the world (NLV), I have triumphed over this corrupt world order (VOICE).
Jesus has furnished us with the means of overcoming all our enemies, triumphing in all our temptations (John 14:19; also Romans 8:34-37; 1 John 4:4; 1 John 5:4; Revelation 12:11). He has already referred to peace (14:27) and joy (16:20, 22) as two gifts belonging to his followers. But through struggle, “trouble” and conflict they will have in the world. Discipleship is about learning how to discover peace when surrounded by threats, how to possess tranquillity despite those hostile to your faith. The solution is “courage” or takes heart. This word occurs only here in John but is used in the Synoptics to describe the attitude Jesus sought in the disciples during the Galilee storm (Matthew 14:27; Mark 6:50). It was also the word given by the Lord to Paul in Jerusalem when he was surrounded by enemies (Acts 23:11). Despite the circumstances, the victory of Jesus outweighs the jeopardy of the present crisis (ref: biblegateway.com).
He warned them ahead of time so that when this unimaginable event occurred they would know the truth and the truth would set them free from fear and shame. But this shocking and fearful announcement was counted with the most beautiful words of deep, deep comfort that our Saviour uttered on that eve of our Salvation – words of consolation and succor, words that were to bring reassurance and support; strength, hope, and courage to generations who have trusted in Christ as Saviour. However dark your own life situation may be and whatever challenges you may be facing, take these words from Christ Jesus to heart (ref:dailyverse.knowing-jesus.com)
