These are a Few of My Favorite Adversative Conjunctions - John 16:33
February 2, 2023 | by: Dale Thiele | 0 Comments
Posted in: Pastoral Encouragement
I love adversative conjunctions because they exalt the power and grace of God by uniting two opposing statements that present seemingly impossible scenarios. Let me highlight a few of my favorites.
The Upper Room Discourse found in John 13-16 records some precious instructions from Jesus for his disciples right before he is betrayed and crucified. Jesus was aiming to prepare his disciples for life and ministry after his departure in the ascension. The disciples did not fully understand that Jesus was leaving; they didn’t even understand that he would be crucified in a matter of hours. But these last words of Jesus would have been precious for the disciples to recall in the years ahead while they faced the various trials of ministry.
The last verse of the Discourse (some include chapter 17 in the Discourse, but that chapter records Jesus’s prayer to his Father; the discourse with the disciples was complete in chapter 16) contains an adversative conjunction that highlights the power and promise of Jesus. As a summarizing statement of what he had said in chapter 15, Jesus says in John 16:33, “In the world you will have tribulation.” That is a sobering statement. Jesus does not promise his disciples an easy life in this world, nor does he promise physical health or earthly wealth. He says his disciples will have tribulation.
There are multiple sources for that tribulation. Jesus said in John 15:19 that the world will hate his followers because “you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world.” Those who have put their faith in Christ as their Savior are new creations in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). They have a new allegiance and are being conformed to the image of Christ. Followers of Christ hold a different set of values from the world. Therefore, Christians are not of the world. That creates conflict and tribulation. We see this conflict over priorities of leisure and pleasure, the definition of marriage, the boundaries of sexual activity, and the value of life. Jesus plainly states that Christians should not be surprised by this sort of tribulation.
Peter explains that Christians face tribulation in this world because we have an enemy. He writes, “Your adversary the devil prowls around like a lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8). We have a real enemy who wants to undermine our faith and confidence in Christ. The apostle Paul also explains that we face tribulation in this world because of the curse of sin. He says “the creation was subjected to futility” and has been “groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now” (Rom. 8:20, 22). Paul says these are the “sufferings of this present time” that are the result of the curse on sin.
“In the world you will have tribulation.” Tribulation from the world system that hates us and our Christ-centered values. Tribulation from an adversary who wants to destroy our faith. Tribulation from the curse on sin and all the sufferings associated with it.
If Jesus ended his statement at this point, we would have all reason to despair. What hope do we have to endure and overcome such devastating tribulation? This is where the adversative conjunction emphasizes our lifeline. Jesus continues to say in John 16:33, “But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Our only hope is Jesus. He has overcome the world and Satan and sin. They still cause tribulation, but Jesus has the final word. The world and its ways will be judged and done away with. Satan will be cast into the lake of fire for eternity. The guilt and power of sin has been broken and the presence of sin will be eradicated in the new heavens and earth. All because Jesus has overcome.
So, take heart. Today you will have tribulation. Jesus says it is so. Don’t be surprised. But also, don’t despair. Jesus has already overcome all the sources of tribulation in your life. The end is secure, and tribulation free, in Christ.
