John 16:33 — Peace in Christ

John 16:33 — Peace in Christ — Aneel Aranha 

Hello and welcome to the Bite-Sized Gospel. Today, we will reflect on John 16:33. Listen.

[Jesus said:] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Jesus ends his farewell discourse to his disciples, summarizing his message with a powerful declaration. "I have told you these things," he says, referring to all the teachings and promises he has given them, "so that in me you may have peace."

This peace that Jesus offers is not the absence of trouble but the presence of calm in the midst of it. "In this world you will have trouble," Jesus plainly states. He doesn't sugarcoat the reality of living in a fallen, broken world. The disciples will face opposition, hardship, and even violence because of their faith in him.

But in the same breath, Jesus offers hope: "But take heart! I have overcome the world." This is the ultimate source of peace - the assurance that Jesus has already won the ultimate victory. His death and resurrection have defeated the powers of sin and death, and his truth and love will ultimately prevail.

This doesn't mean that our troubles disappear. We still face challenges, setbacks, and sorrows in this life. But it does mean that we face them with a different perspective, with a deep-rooted peace that comes from knowing that our lives are held by the One who has overcome the world.

This peace is not something we can manufacture on our own. It's not a matter of positive thinking or self-help strategies. It's a gift that comes from abiding in Christ, from drawing our life and strength from him. As Jesus said earlier, "Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me" (John 15:4).

As we reflect on this verse, let's ask ourselves: Where do I turn for peace in the midst of life's troubles? Am I trying to find it in my own strength, or am I abiding in Christ? Do I really believe that he has overcome the world, and that his victory is my hope?

May we find our peace in Christ, take heart in his victory, and face life's challenges with the courage and confidence that comes from abiding in him.

God bless you.