John 16:32-33

“Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. 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” (John‬ ‭16‬:‭32‬-‭33‬).

In chapter 16, Jesus is walking his disciples – literally and figuratively – toward his departure to the Father. Of course, several events will take place before his ascension, including his arrest, death, burial, and resurrection. He has already cryptically told them of his departure, but of course, they didn’t understand. In this chapter, he answered the question presented in chapter 15: “How do we abide in you if you are going away?” Answer: The Holy Spirit. (16:7-8)

In these verses, we see three important things. First, Jesus warned them of a hardship coming that would scatter them. He is referring to his arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane, which will happen in a few hours. (Jn 18)

We have the advantage of having the complete story, so we can read ahead and see that what Jesus told the disciples would come, did come. Since Jesus proved himself a trustworthy and reliable foreteller, we can trust the portion of his foretelling that applies to us, even if it doesn’t always make sense.

Second, Jesus mentions His unity with the Father. Although the disciples will be scattered, leaving Jesus “alone,” He will not be alone because the Father is with him. Surely, there are times I need this reminder that God is with me. When it seems that all have abandoned me, I must remember that God has not abandoned me.

Third, Jesus told the disciples where they could find peace in a topsy-turvy world. Where? In HIM! Because He has overcome the world and its traps, they can find peace in him. At his resurrection, Jesus defeated the worst things the world has to offer like death and everything else that kills our souls.

Father, help me to find strength and hope in Jesus. Help me to lean into him in hard times. Amen.