Farewell Sermon

“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

With the cross looming before Him, Jesus gave a departing message to His disciples in training. He wraps up the three years of teachings and instructions, saying He must leave them for a little while, and they would sorrow, but God would send another Comforter (John 14).

Like the early disciples, we experience the troubles and evils of this life, but through them, God develops our perseverance, character, and hope in Him (Romans 5:3). Jesus says, “be of good cheer”—take heart. He overcame the world, defeating Satan by His death and resurrection. With God’s Holy Spirit’s power working within and through us, His children, “we are more than conquerors” through Jesus Christ, who loves us (Romans 8:37). And NOTHING can separate us from Him as we journey this world (vs. 38–39).

We cannot escape the conflicts without; sometimes, we let worries disturb us within, but if we trust God with those cares, He will keep our hearts and minds in peace through Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7).