Three years ago I had the opportunity to preach on Good Friday. My short message was titled, “Take Heart, I Have Overcome the World,” which comes straight from the mouth of Jesus Christ in John 16:33. One of the driving passions of my life is that all people would see that the death of Jesus Christ is not only true, but that it is beautiful. It is in the shame of the cross that we see Jesus Christ’s true glory. And it is through this shame that he is exalted to the right hand of God. Here is an excerpt:
[Jesus] says in verse 33, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
He told them beforehand and he told them so that they would have peace. Not just any peace, but the peace that is found only in Jesus Christ. The world gives tribulation, but Christ gives peace. Then he says, “Take heart; I have overcome the world.”
The world will put me to death. My enemies will mock me, whip me, and crucify me. I will undergo the greatest pain of my life. You will scatter and think that all is lost. But take heart. Take heart and be encouraged. Take heart and be bold. Take heart and have peace. Take heart and rejoice for I have overcome the world.
Read the whole thing if you like:
Take Heart, I Have Overcome the World
