Scripture: John 16:33
Author: John, ~85-90 A.D.
“I have told you these things, so that you may have peace. In this world you will have tribulation but take heart. I have overcome the world”
The setting is in the upper room. All of Jerusalem prepares for Passover. Tension is high. Believers in the Messiah expect the Romans to be cast out. Romans aren’t taking any chances. The night is heavy especially for the disciples who are wavering in their hope for triumph against Rome.
Instead of a battle cry, Jesus washes their feet, proclaims very soon they will see him no more in this same way. That’s when the disciples realize what is to happen. Jesus has offered “trouble”, peace and then victory— through his death. Specifically in that order.
Jesus hasn’t promised an earthly victory. His declaration is for, rather, a cosmic rebellion! Let’s break down the verse…
Into that room Jesus says: “In this world you will have tribulation…”Okay, Captain Obvious— that’s been an ongoing fact, but this appears to mean it must continue. Wow, what a bummer that must have been to the disciples.
The original word that was translated to tribulation or troubles was “thlispsis”. The root of thlispsis means to crush. Thus, in my opinion this phrase should read “In this world you will have crushing pressure". Not simply “troubles”. This was no easy thing to hear.
But then, Jesus says:
“…But take heart, I have overcome the world.” How did he do that?
Many wanted a sword— they got salvation and Jesus called it victory. A super Rabbi known as Jesus is claiming victory KNOWING he was about to die!! Chew on that for a moment!
In other words, before the suffering Jesus would endure prior to the cross. Before the suffering he would endure on the cross. Before the tomb and before the decades of “crushing troubles” his followers would endure, he declared Victory ahead of it all. That’s quite the WAR CRY!
Sorry, but outside of the sheer pain and sadness around the events to come for Jesus, He was setting the stage for all of us in the future. And this was by design.
“I will put my law within them, and write it on their hearts!” That was Jeremiah’s prophecy of the Messiah some 600 years before. There was no mention of conquering of Rome by the Messiah BY ANY PROPHET in the Old Testament. Jesus lived out all the prophecies according to God’s timeline.
He came to break chains deeper than Rome ever forged. Mission accomplished and more to come!
The difference in perspectives back then:
Expectation vs. Jesus’ Reality
In Jewish thought:
Messiah =
✔ political liberation
✔ restored kingdom
✔ Rome defeated
✔ righteousness enforced by power
Jesus instead reveals:
Messiah =
✔ suffering servant
✔ victory through death
✔ kingdom within before kingdom without
✔ Rome won’t fall — death itself will
Just as in our last daily, God didn’t smite Rome and have Jesus send lightning bolts into the Roman Legionnaire army. He sent Jesus to put us on the right path toward faith, wisdom and love. Starting to see the pattern?
What would have changed for mankind for overcoming one hardship for the Jews and slaves of Rome? That’s earthly short-sightedness compared to eternal Wisdom.
You are not fighting FOR victory. Jesus already won!!
