Sermon On the Net

PEACE AND TRIBULATION

 

John 16: The time of the crucifixion is drawing close and Jesus begins to inform the disciples of things to come and things they need to know. Jesus explains the reason He had not told them all these things before because He was with them from the beginning of His ministry. He wants them to be prepared because a time was soon to come when the Jews would think they would be doing a service for God by killing the Disciples. The fact was that they did not know the true God: Jesus said in verse 3, "They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me." Jesus wanted them to remember these things so that when certain events happened they will remember He told them in advance. The Holy Spirit will come to teach them and help them to remember all things, and He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The greatest sin is not believing in Jesus which, obviously, has serious consequences.

 

In verse 16 Jesus says "In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me." They could not understand what He was saying and He finally told them that He would soon speak more plainly to them, (referring to the time following His resurrection).He explains that they will be able to ask anything of the Father in His name and it will be granted to them. Jesus then tells them that He came from the Father and is soon to return to Him. The disciples understood this and believed in Him. Jesus told them that they would desert Him soon; however He would not be alone because the Father would be with Him, (referring to the time preceding the crucifixion}. The last verse in this chapter is a most comforting and heartwarming message from Jesus. He says, "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." Verse 33.

 

There shouldn't be any doubt in anyone's mind, as Jesus said, that there is tribulation in the world. The question is, can we have real peace while living in this world? In John 16:33 Jesus said you may 'have peace'. How? Jesus died on the cross to pay the sin debt of everyone and all that is required of anyone who wants the assurance of this peace is to believe it. Yes, believe that Jesus died on the cross for all those who welcome Him into their heart. Then, and only then, will we have the peace that Jesus promised us.