Thoughts on the Gospel of John (163) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2025

Indeed the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you will be scattered, each to his own, and will leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. 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.
John 16:32–33

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (163)
When it came to His death, Jesus had to tell His disciples that they could not follow Him now. Peter raised an objection: he wanted to lay down his life for Him. But the Lord knew Peter better than Peter knew himself. And the Lord also knew how Peter would behave when he entered the court of the high priest: he would deny Him three times (ch. 13:38).

What would the other disciples do on the occasion of Jesus’ capture and crucifixion? Were they stronger than Peter? No, they would all flee and leave their Lord alone.

The Lord knows everything in advance; nothing can surprise Him. That is why He is never said to be disappointed. Of course, the disciples’ behaviour saddened Him, but He found comfort in fellowship with His heavenly Father.

It is impressive what He told His disciples in conclusion here. Would any but He have said under such circumstances, “These things have I spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace”? Or would anyone have given this encouraging prospect in view of the disciples’ future, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer...”? One does not know whether to admire more the divine authority of these words or their unsurpassable grace. This One who thus thinks of us has conquered the world through His resurrection and ascension. Through faith in Jesus, the Son of God, we too will overcome the world (1 John 5:5).

Today’s reading: Ezekiel 3:1-27 · Psalms 115:9-18