Monday (May 13): "I have overcome the world"
Meditation: How did the disciples come to believe that Jesus is
truly the Son of God sent from the eternal Father in heaven? When Jesus taught
his disciples he often spoke in parables – using short stories and vivid
images which expressed in picture language what God's kingdom is like and
how God's power can change and transform their lives to be like him. These
stories were intended to make his disciples reflect and think through the
inner spiritual truths he wanted them to understand and accept. Now Jesus
begins to speak more plainly to the disciples about the mission and purpose
for which he was sent into the world – not to condemn the world but through
love to redeem it (John 3:16). The disciples professed their belief in Jesus
that he truly came from God and taught as one who possessed full knowledge
of God. Jesus' response showed that he fully knew and understood them very
well. Jesus could read their hearts like an open book. He knew their weakenesses
as well as their strengths.
In spite of their confident faith, Jesus warned his disciples that they would
be put to the test and would fail. He knew they would desert him in his hour
of trial when he would be arrested and condemned to death on the cross. Such
knowledge of their faltering loyalty could have easily led to bitterness
and rejection on his part. Jesus met the injury of betrayal and abandonment
with supreme love and earnest prayer for his disciples (Luke 22:32; John
17:15). "He loved them to the very end" (John 13:1) – even when they had
left him to die alone on the cross. Jesus reassures them of his peace, unfailing
love, and victory over the world which is in opposition to God's reign. Jesus
speaks the same reassuring words of enduring love, faithfulness, and victory
to his followers today. "I will never fail you nor forsake you." While
we may forget the Lord and fail him, he will never forget us nor fail to
come to our aid. When you are put to the test do you seek the Lord Jesus
and place your trust in his help and mercy?
While we cannot avoid all pain and suffering which may come our way in this
life, the Lord Jesus assures us that he has overcome the world and all that
would seek to keep us from his saving help and healing presence. He promises
to guide us safely through any trial or hardship we may have to undergo for
his sake. The Lord Jesus gives us the gift of his Holy Spirit who strengthens
us with faith, courage, and perseverance to stay the course which he has
set for us. The Holy Spirit fills us with a living hope in the power of Christ's
resurrection (1 Peter 1:3) and reassures our heart with a confident trust
in God's abiding presence. Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ
and the victory he has won for us (Romans 8:35-39). The Holy Spirit gives
us the strength and courage we need to overcome every adversity and to persevere
with faith and hope in God. Do you believe in the power of Christ's love
for you and in the victory he has won for you through his death and resurrection?
"Lord Jesus, help me to trust in your unwavering love and saving
help, especially when I meet adversities, trials, and temptations. Give me
your peace when I am troubled and let me know the joy of your victory over
sin and death."
This reflection is courtesy of Don Schwager, whose website is
located at: http://www.rc.net/wcc/readings/