On what basis can believers be of good cheer (John 16:33)?

Answer

Jesus instructed the disciples to “be of good cheer” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33) just before they were to encounter the darkest and most troubling period of their lives. The Lord was soon to depart from them (John 16:5-7), and He foresaw the intense persecution, suffering, and potential death that awaited each of His followers.

The disciples were saddened and perplexed as Jesus explained, “In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again” «A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. », (John 16:16, NLT). They would all scatter, and most would abandon Him at the cross (John 16: 32). However, their doubt and fear would soon be transformed into faith and peace: “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” «These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.», (John 16:33, NKJV).

In the original language, the words translated as “be of good cheer” (NKJV) or “take heart” (NIV, ESV, NLT) can also be understood as “be bold,” “be confident,” or “be courageous” (CSB). Jesus taught the disciples that inner peace and courage amid tribulation could only be experienced through abiding in Him «And now, littleChildren, abide in Him; that, when He shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” (1 John 2:28)., (1 John 2:28).

In the world, believers encounter persecution and suffering, just as Jesus did (Ephesians 3:13; 2 Timothy 1:8; 2 Timothy 2:3). Jesus said the disciples would soon be “handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues” « But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them. », (Mark 13:9). The world would despise them (John 15:18-25), and some would be martyred for their faith «Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. », (Acts 11:19).

Despite being hated by the world, believers can be confident and courageous based on the knowledge that Jesus Christ has overcome the world. As Christians, our lives are “hidden with Christ in God” «For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. », (Colossians 3:3). We are born of God «Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and everyone that loveth Him that begat loveth Him also that is begotten of Him. », (1 John 5:1), and “everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is thThe victory that has overcome the world is our faith” (1 John 5:4; see also 1 John 2:13-14).

We can take heart because we have learned to trust the Father in every situation “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). We don’t need to live in fear because we are secure in His love “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18). We understand that with God on our side, no one can oppose us “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). And nothing can separate us from His love—no trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, poverty, danger, or conflict (Romans 8:35-39).

Even when facing the threat of death, we can declare, “But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57). The apostle John posed and answered this question: “Who can win this battle against the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God” “Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:5, NLT). We can take heart because Jesus has conquered the world.If we have faith in Jesus and are part of the Father, we also have conquered the world because the One who lives in us is more powerful than the one in the world “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”, (1 John 4:4).

Peace within is found in Jesus. He stated, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”, (John 14:27). While the world presents only trouble, threat, and danger, followers of Christ do not need to be anxious or afraid. We can take courage because we are part of the One who overcame the world. Nothing in this world can harm us because we are victorious through our Lord Jesus Christ in the end.