Jesus spent His final hours preparing the disciples for His departure and life apart from Him. When He was here, they felt safe, protected, nurtured, and loved. But soon, they would have a front-row seat to the world. Jesus was telling them that they would see corrupt leaders abusing their power, wolves attacking the flock, pain and suffering, and the persecution and martyrdom of their fellow brothers and sisters. Then Jesus said, “But take heart, for I have overcome the world.”
This phrase “take heart,” means to have courage, be unafraid. In other words, don’t give up or lose heart. During these last hours, Jesus spoke to them about the Holy Spirit who was coming. This Holy Spirit would infuse them with power, strength, and courage. Therefore, it was possible for them to stay confident, assured, and strong because of the Holy Spirit’s power in them.
I’ve seen Christians literally lose heart, get angry, or lash out when ungodly, or anti-God, leaders are elected to office. We often think that Christian persecution was a 1st-century thing, but it’s here right now. The church was shaken when Charlie Kirk was assassinated. He was killed because he spoke truth. Here’s the thing… we will see more of that. But the Bible tells us, and Jesus said, that in the end He wins. The books of Daniel and Revelation clearly show us that one day Jesus is coming to destroy His enemies and that He will set up His throne in the Temple in Jerusalem and usher in a perfect kingdom. This should give us great hope.
This is something we have been waiting for, praying for every time we pray, “Thy Kingdom come.” This is a promise we can hold to. How can we believe it? Well, Psalm 138:2 says, “Your promises are backed by all the honor of your name.” And we know from Scripture that His name is “above every other name” (Philippians 2:9) and that “God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). His Name backs ALL His promises.
So, when you get discouraged because of the corruption of leaders, the anti-God policies being put into effect, the evil intentions of those in authority, or the advancement of wickedness, remember what Jesus said, “Take heart, for I have overcome the world.” ***Side note: make sure to study Daniel with us in the Spring as we get an even clearer picture of the times of the end.