…These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom [peace]. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33, TLV
Don’t Worry? John 16 was written but a few days before the unthinkable would happen. Yeshua [Jesus] would be betrayed by one of their own friends, tortured, nailed to a cross, and die.
But, in “A little while, and you will no longer see Me; and again in a little while, you will see Me.” (vs. 16) Yeshua would rise from the dead. The Holy Spirit would then be poured out on them. What!?
The disciples are confused, overwhelmed, and frightened. Yeshua sees this and dials back.
“I still have much more to tell you, but you cannot handle it just now.” (vs.12)
For years now, the disciples followed the Son of God,
over dusty roads, along the stone-paved streets watching Him perform miracles and outwit those who thought themselves smarter and more powerful. They themselves were even doing miracles. But did they fully understand what was really going on?
No. They hadn’t a clue.
So, now Yeshua was making it clear He was going back to His Father. (vs. 28) The disciples understand what He means, but they really don’t — not fully. I mean, what about the Romans? Isn’t He going to get rid of them?
Yeshua is aware of this. These men and women that He has dwelt with, ate with, hungered with, celebrated with … He loved them. As He watched their confused and frightened faces, knowing what was about to come — the good and the bad — He finishes this time with them with today’s verse.
Why is the context of this verse so important?
The context is important because we’re just like the followers of Jesus. We don’t fully understand what is going on in Israel and around us, even when the Holy Spirit whispers insights and understanding. Why? Because it is scary or confusing. It doesn’t fit into our theology, or expectations, or desires. Solutions seem impossible.
Parents, as they tuck their children in for the night, know that the world around them is scary and confusing—and for many unsafe. They know their children aren’t ready to truly live on their own in this world. So what do we tell them? All is well? Sleep tight? Jesus loves them?
That’s what today’s verse is like. “You don’t really understand what’s coming,” Yeshua essentially says. “But that’s okay. I’ve got it under control.”
Feeling confused or frightened? Don’t worry, you may have trouble, but take heart! He has overcome the world! The hard part? Is truly trusting that He does. Especially when brutality and contradictions to our understanding are all around us.
But isn’t that what faith is? To truly trust His word 
and promises? Believe when we can’t figure things out? Fortunately, He has given us enough proof of His ability to do what He says He will. The outcome may not look like we thought, but He will fulfill His word. Given His track record of rising from the dead, well, I think we can trust Him.
Until tomorrow, as our beloved Israel endures such trials and tribulations, as our Father’s other children need His love and redemption, we agree together that our Father’s will shall be done on earth as in heaven. Please continue to pray.
