"Troubling News"
March 30, 2009
John 16:31-33 - Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with Me. 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."
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If you watch the news, you will hear troubling stories. Wars, murders, and crimes of all kinds make us feel uneasy. Have you ever wondered if Jesus would speak words that would upset someone? In John chapter 16 Jesus does just that; He brings some troubling news.
In this chapter, Jesus speaks to His disciples immediately before the events leading Him to the cross. He tells them they will be hated by the world. They will feel great sorrow over the events they will soon experience; some will even be killed.
Have you ever received troubling news? Perhaps you heard a disturbing word of some disease or the death of a loved one. Could it be you've heard bad news about your children or that you've lost your job? Whatever the case may be, each of us at some time has probably heard some unwanted news. In those difficult moments, what words of comfort will we turn to?
As Jesus told the disciples they would face tribulation, He also told them something radical. He said, "take heart; I have overcome the world." The events soon to occur to Him-His suffering, death, and resurrection-were to be the redemptive work that would overcome the world and give these men a hope beyond all hope. They will know that no matter what happens to them, victory is theirs.
That same news comforts us. We all face trials and tribulations, but Jesus has overcome the world. He has overcome the terror of this world by defeating sin and crushing it on the cross. On the third day He rose from the dead, bringing us the promise that we, too, will rise; we, too, will live forever! And when Jesus returns, He will wipe away all our tears and gather us to Himself. This is news we can trust and rejoice in!
THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus Christ, thank You that even in the midst of our troubles we have hope. Thank You for Your death and resurrection. Give us comfort in trusting that You have overcome the world. Amen.
Written by Pastor Michael Hall
Trinity Lutheran Church - Exeter, California
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