These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33, NKJV)
In the Christmas comedy Elf, Will Ferrell’s character, Buddy, passes a restaurant advertising the “world’s best cup of coffee.” In his naïveté, Buddy assumes that they have truly earned the best coffee award and offers them effusive praise for a job well done! Imagine being of such good cheer simply because you found the world’s greatest coffee! We who have found faith in Christ have even more reason to be cheerful!
In his Farewell Discourse the night before His crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples they would face trouble in this world. We face financial hardships, relationship struggles, work difficulties, sickness, stress, temptations, and many other problems. Rather than saying, “I have overcome tribulation,” Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” He overcame the very disposition and arrangement of the world itself. This is a far deeper and more comprehensive victory than we can fathom. Ultimately, Jesus gives us a brand new and perfect world.