Saturday November 12, John 16.29-33

John 16.29-33    29His disciples said, “Yes, now you are speaking plainly, not in any figure of speech! 30Now we know that you know all things, and do not need to have anyone question you; by this we believe that you came from God.” 31Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32The hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each one to his home, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone because the Father is with me. 33I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace. In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the world!”


Thoughts:  It always seems like I must have missed part of this conversation!  "Yes, now you are speaking plainly..."  For what ever reason the disciples seem to think that they have come to a new level of cognitive understanding, what is ironic is that they new level of understanding is still going to be fraught with trouble.  They will still be scattered and ultimately abandon Jesus.  Funny how cognitive understanding sometimes is not enough.   But again Jesus doesn't chastise them in advance but more so he is giving them absolution!  Nevertheless, take courage; I have conquered the world!   What do you think that means?  Has Jesus run the perfect race, defeated temptation, remained righteous....hmmm.  Or is it that we see that the power, rulers and principalities of this world have no real power--as their greatest weapon death has been made null and void?   There is a great promise here.  Usually conquerors take over, they subject folks.  Jesus is a new kind of conqueror, he subjects himself as a servant.   Makes you go hmmmmm?
 
Questions: Is there a darkness that you need Christ to conquer for you?  Lift it up in prayer right now!