In this passage Jesus is preparing the disciples for his immanent death and fulfillment of all that He came to accomplish.  This is very hard news for them.  Have you listened to someone tell you that they are going to die?  I have.  How do you process that kind of news?  And for the disciples, Jesus was their teacher, leader, friend, guide, He was their Rabbi and that is everything! They are young, filled with energy and enthusiasm and are just beginning to grasp the idea of ministry that Jesus has been teaching and modeling to them.

If you read all of chapter 16 in the book of John, Jesus is honestly and lovingly telling them that they are going to face trouble, big trouble.  People will hate them, speak negatively about them, they will even lie about them to try to get them thrown into prison or killed.  (Unlike the disciples in this moment, we are able to read ahead and know that these things do come to pass.)

However, at the same time, Jesus is also encouraging them with words of hope.  He is encouraging you and me, as well, with these same words.

In this world you will have trouble.  True statement!  Have you experienced any trouble lately?  The same word for trouble is used a few verses earlier referring to a woman in labor.  LABOR!!! If you have had the privilege to experience labor, then you know what the word “trouble” means.  Pressure.  Our “trouble” may not come in a physical form, it may be very emotional.  Bad news from a medical test.  Maybe it’s a relationship that is seemingly impossible to restore.  Trouble.  Pressure.  Sometimes it’s as simple as a traffic jam that you did not expect but instantly stifled your immediate plans.  Or maybe you’re the cause of  traffic jam–your small vehicle and very large heavy semi truck unfortunately collide.  I am pretty confident in the fact that every one of us understands the word trouble and has and will continue to experience it, while we are in this world.

But take heart!  Jesus has overcome the world.  Literally this means the power to harm is deprived and the influence is overthrown.  What Jesus is saying is, the best news is that your trouble is temporary, it can’t hurt you eternally because He is going to overthrow that evil power inside or behind the trouble.  The trouble isn’t gone, but it doesn’t last.

All traffic jams eventually clear and allow the drivers to travel at their expected pace again.  In my case, a few days ago,  I was late arriving to my destination, but all the plans fell into place and life resumed with no lasting effect.  This may be a trivial example of trouble.  I know I have faced far bigger troubles, and the effect has scrambled my plans, it’s changed my view point, its made me think and respond differently than I used to, I admit it.  But did the trouble last?  No.  And were the affects bad?  ……(after some thought) No.

Take heart.  Trouble is coming your way and it’s power to harm is overthrown.  So what can we do when trouble hits?  #1  Thank Jesus for this warning. It’s REAL life!  He didn’t tell anyone, “follow me into the fluffy clouds and butterfly kisses”.  He was straight up and told us  to follow Him, and He will take the sting out of your troubles.  #2 Thank Jesus for the results that will come from your troubles. Romans 8:28 #3 With this growing confidence in Jesus, press on!