Accomplishment 3

John 16:33

Although perfectly capable of cooking, I prefer not to do it. There have been times when I know that we have planned a certain meal and I expect that I will be the one who has to make it.

What a pleasant surprise it is when my wife tells me that she has already taken care of the meal. I don’t have to worry about the work. She has done it all.

In the Gospel of John we have an account of Jesus with his disciples at the Last Supper. In this account Jesus offers some assurance about his return. Why has Jesus spoken to the disciples about all that he will do for them? What should the disciples expect? What good news does Jesus share?

Jesus was about to face the crucifixion. He was about to leave the disciples, this group of faithful followers that he has spent so much time with. Now they will be on their own, in a sense.

They were certainly upset about he prospects of being without their teacher. But Jesus explained that he would be present with them in spirit. They would never be alone.

It was time for their faith to reach a level of maturity. They would have to put all the lessons Jesus taught into practice. They would have to experience the accomplishment of their faith.

And Jesus gives them assurance. Like everyone, they would be facing difficulties and challenges in life. The world would not be an easy place for the. But Jesus has overcome the world. The authority and grace and love of Christ is more powerful than any problem we might face in life.

If we can live out our faith with the Holy Spirit as part of who we are, if we can commit ourselves to our faith with Jesus Christ at the center of who we are, then we too can face the challenges of the world with confidence. Jesus has overcome the world and the accomplishment of our own faith gives us the ability to rise above any temptation and any setback.

God is with us. We can succeed and be blessed.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can help you remember that Jesus has overcome the world?