Stephan Hoffman

‘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.’  John 16:33

The disciples would forsake Jesus, deny and run away during his greatest time of suffering, but Jesus knows that after his resurrection they will bear witness. Therefore, he encourages them to continue preaching even if they faced death (v2). Later they also then went into the world, and remained faithful to Jesus. They told of his life, deeds, words, crucifixion, resurrection, ascension and that he lives. This news has also reached you and me and more than two thousand years later, we can also believe that he is our Lord and Saviour.  The Holy Spirit helped and guided the disciples so that they, despite their own faults, shortcomings and the severe persecution, could still proclaim the gospel.

Jesus used the image of a pregnant woman in verse 21, to encourage the disciples.  He said that though they were now sad and worried like a woman in pain, because he was going away, they would later be thrilled when they saw him again, just like a woman when her child is born.

We have the wonderful privilege to receive and believe the good news of Jesus. Though it is not always easy to keep testifying, we know that God, through the Holy Spirit will stand by us. We need not be afraid of the enmity of the world, because Jesus has already overcome the world. We can also, like a pregnant woman look forward with expectation to the new life that will dawn when we see Jesus again.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the good news that you brought to me, through the working of the Holy Spirit and through the proclamation of your Word, through all the centuries and circumstances. Thank you that I can believe in you as my Saviour and Redeemer. Please help me to remain faithful to you despite opposition or onslaughts. Grant that I will continue to testify so that every person can hear the good news! Amen