The Battle is Already Won

In John 16, Jesus is warning his disciples what will happen after he returns to his Father after his death and resurrection. They are words that still resonate for us today. He senses they are upset and confused: “But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart (John 16:6, NASB).” He reassured them that after he is gone, the “Spirit of truth” would come and guide them “into all the truth (13).” Jesus knew his death would be hard on them so he gave them words of reassurance: “you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice; you will grieve, but your grief will be turned into joy (20).”

The same Spirit of God sent to His disciples is the same Spirit we have today to guide us in God’s truth. In the midst of our sorrow, when it seems the world is rejoicing in our grief, our “grief will be turned into joy.” The same words of assurance Jesus gave the disciples hold true for us: “Therefore you too have grief now; but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you (22).”

Jesus warned his disciples that “an hour is coming, and has already come, for you to be scattered, each to his own home, and to leave Me alone (John 16:32).” Just as Jesus reassured His disciples not to fear what was about to happen, Jesus reassures us. “In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world (John 16:33).” Trials in this world may challenge us, but know that victory is in Jesus.