When you hear the phrase “I have conquered the world,” what image comes to mind? An adventurer standing atop Mount Everest? An athlete lifting a gold medal? A businessman seated in a fancy office? Yet, these words were spoken by Jesus—not after His resurrection, but just before His suffering. Just before His friends abandoned Him. Just before He was publicly mocked. Just before He endured the excruciating agony of the cross. “I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). Surely this was the least likely moment to make such a declaration? Yet this was the audacious faith of Jesus that before His darkest trial, He could proclaim victory. He warned His disciples, and us today, that trials will come. Yet, He offers divine peace through the certainty of His triumph: “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33). No hardship can separate us from Christ. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword?.. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35, 37). Whatever trials come, trust in His victory—because through Him, we too are conquerors. Open Bible – https://bit.ly/joh16v33, https://bit.ly/Rom8v35-37 (Craig B)
