“…These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have shalom. In the world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33, TLV
John 16 is written but a few days before the unthinkable will happen. Yeshua would be betrayed, 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, 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.
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 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.
Parents, as they tuck their children in for the night, know that the world around them is scary and confusing. 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 understanding 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!
Shabbat shalom.
