“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 16:33)
Jesus warns His disciples to take the hostility of the world seriously. They are to expect tribulation: “If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). We know that Jesus was brutally murdered, and several of His followers were, too. However, Jesus also tells them to take heart since He has defeated the world. He has conquered “the god of this world”, Satan. Therefore, Jesus has received all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18).
We do not yet see Jesus ruling over everything, but we know His reign will be fully revealed at the end of time. This is our living hope, which enables us to rejoice even in the midst of trials. We know these will only last “a little while”, and therefore we can lift up our heads in the hopeful expectation that our final redemption is drawing near.
Even in the ‘worst case scenario’ where we are killed for our faith, this suffering is only temporary. Satan cannot take eternal life from us. He can only harm our bodies, not our souls.
Take heart, Jesus Christ has overcome the world!