29 His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! 30 Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 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 16:29-33 ESV
Inevitably, in the world, there will be tribulations. Our faith will be tested, and sometimes it will be shaken. But the Lord has laid a solid foundation for our faith and peace. That is, He has overcome the world! At the very moment when he was about to get arrested, forsaken, and face the most dreadful battle in history, He proclaimed the truth of His victory –
I have overcome the world.
John 16:33b
He sees the failures of the disciples; He sees the cross. But He also sees the empty tomb, His victory, and the ones He loves – who could also claim victory, be of good cheer, and receive peace through Him and in Him!
When the hour comes, the disciples will be scattered, and the Lord will be left alone. He knows how they will fail – “you will be scattered and will leave me alone,” (v32) yet He loves them as they are, promises them peace, and encourages them to take heart. Jesus is also still standing to his purpose – to save, redeem, and overcome the world.
Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
John 16:32
Jesus trusted His close relationship with the Father all the way to the cross and even upon it. In this very moment of loneliness, the Father was with Him. The nails left scars on our Savior’s hands and marks on our Father’s heart. How the Father is with Jesus, He is also by our side. He never forgets us and never forsakes us.
Our life is not always smooth sailing. Tribulation is certain in the world. But, as we read in the previous verses on John Chapter 16, sometimes sorrows and sufferings are an inescapable process to greater joy. Praise our victorious and loving Lord that we do not have to face trials and tribulations alone! Even on the darkest days, when everyone walks away, He is the one who stays. We can count on His presence, be of good cheer, and stand on this solid foundation that He has overcome the world!
Hallelujah!
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