Here is one of Jesus’ most comforting instructions to his disciples: “But be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
You may be wondering how Jesus made such a statement and why. Of course, we’ll see that in a moment.
However, I’d like to recommend a recent article on The Story of Nicodemus in the Bible. I trust you will appreciate it.
What Does John 16:33 Say?
John 16:33 (KJV): “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
Now, the question is, How did we get here? Let’s take a walk to the past.
It is worth noting that from the Gospel of John 14 through 17, Jesus was speaking figuratively about his crucifixion, resurrection, ascension to the Father, and the release of the Holy Spirit to those who believed Him.
He went further to inform His disciples of things they would experience so that when those things happened, they would not be discouraged and doubtful.
John 16:16-33 (WEB): “A little while, and you will not see me. Again a little while, and you will see me.”
Some of his disciples therefore said to one another, “What is this that he says to us, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me;’ and, ‘Because I go to the Father’?”
They said therefore, “What is this that he says, ‘A little while’? We don’t know what he is saying.”
Therefore Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him, and he said to them, “Do you inquire among yourselves concerning this, that I said, ‘A little while, and you won’t see me, and again a little while, and you will see me?’
Most certainly I tell you, that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy.
A woman, when she gives birth, has sorrow, because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she doesn’t remember the anguish any more, for the joy that a human being is born into the world.
Therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.
“In that day you will ask me no questions. Most certainly I tell you, whatever you may ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.
Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be made full.
I have spoken these things to you in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no more speak to you in figures of speech, but will tell you plainly about the Father.
In that day you will ask in my name; and I don’t say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you,
for the Father himself loves you, because you have loved me, and have believed that I came from God.
I came from the Father, and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.”
His disciples said to him, “Behold, now you speak plainly, and speak no figures of speech.
Now we know that you know all things, and don’t need for anyone to question you. By this we believe that you came from God.”
Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe?
Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
Be Of Good Cheer I Have Overcome The World
The last verse, John 16:33, consists of two statements: “I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace.” “In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”
All that Christ told them was to lead them into complete peace with Him. Beginning with his sufferings, the hatred they would experience, His coming forth from the Father and going to the Father, as well as the coming of the Comforter and even His return.
In verse 32, He told them what they would do to Him, and it happened as He said. All aimed at bringing them to a settling ground where they have calmness in their hearts and confidence concerning Christ rather than doubts or uncertainties in their hearts.
Christ further told them that in this world, they would have troubles, trials, frustrations, and distresses from the cruelty and misuse of power by the rulers, but He cheered them up, telling them he had overcome the world.
In other words, he said to them, But be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.
How and Why To Be Of Good Cheer
We’ve read that verse a lot, but has anyone ever considered how it applies to The Believers Today?
From The Acts until today, there have been reports of oppression against the Believers in Christ Jesus. Different religious groups, sects, and authorities have reportedly restricted the Believers’ activities and even executed many.
If you read the history from the early centuries until the 21st century, you’ll very likely understand why, in this world, you will have tribulations.
Right from the days of Jesus Christ until now, there have been tribulations and oppressions of different kinds and in different forms. But we are encouraged to be of good cheer.
How To Be Of Good Cheer?
When brother James wrote to the people of God who were scattered abroad in the world, he said:
“Consider it wholly joyful, my brethren, whenever you are enveloped in or encounter trials of any sort or fall into various temptations.
Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.” – James 1:2-3 (AMP).
It is one thing to count it all joy, and another thing to understand that the trials or proving of faith will produce endurance.
The keyword there is Endurance. Endure the trials, trusting in Jesus. In other words, BE STRONG IN THE LORD.
Why To Be Of Good Cheer?
Christ has overcome the world, and we are overcomers by faith in Him. By that, we belong to God in Christ, and greater is He that is in us than he that is the world.
In essence, we are to take comfort in what Jesus Christ said because of what He has done.
Isaiah 35:4, 10 (WEB): “Tell those who have a fearful heart, “Be strong. Don’t be afraid. Behold, your God will come with vengeance, God’s retribution. He will come and save you.
The Yahweh’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.””
