“I have overcome the world,” Jesus.
Jesus said, “In this world you will have troubles.” That holds true for believers and unbelievers alike, but believers get an extra share. I believe it was 19th-century preacher Thomas De Witt Talmage who said, “Good men and women will always have enemies because their goodness is a perpetual rebuke to evil.”
We know that’s true because we have good suppressed and evil exalted. We have seen men and women of good character gossiped about and lied about, or held back at work for refusing to play the game. Persecution of believers, including to the point of death, still happens.
In the Scriptures, we read, “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him.” John 1:9-10
Jesus said:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ if they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father as well. If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason. John 15:18-25
It shouldn’t be a surprise when the world, even friends and family, reject or mock us because of our faith. We must hold the line despite persecution and rejection. We have the ultimate victory in Jesus.
Jesus told us that we would have trouble, but let’s look at the whole verse. He said These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
The world will come at us, but Jesus has overcome the world, and we will as well in Him.
Praise His name and pray for those who persecute us
Be blessed,
Kevin
SUMMARY
I’m reminded that the world’s hostility toward believers isn’t a sign that something’s wrong. It’s confirmation that Jesus already told us this would happen, and that He’s already overcome it.
TAKEAWAY
The world hated Jesus first, and it will treat His followers the same way
Persecution, whether subtle exclusion or outright suffering, has always marked those who live differently
Jesus doesn’t just warn us of tribulation, He promises victory over it