What Jesus Did! 'I Have Overcome the World' — John 16:33

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

[To his disciples, Jesus continued,] "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."
— John 16:33 NLT

Key Thought

The power of the world, the realm controlled by Satan, was defeated when Jesus accepted his Father's will to go to the cross. He broke and defeated the power of sin and death through his own sacrificial death and his resurrection. [1] He brought life and immortality to light. He ensured that death would not have the final say. So in the middle of sorrows and trials, we can take heart and have peace - not because things are easy, but because the hard things of this life are temporary and are preparing for us an eternal glory. [2] Our peace is not in the absence of strife or troubles, but in Jesus and what he has done to make our future sure!

[1] 2 Timothy 1:10.
[2] Romans 8:18.

Today's Prayer

Be near, O God, in the middle of my trials and hardships. Stir my heart with your Spirit to remember your promises, your faithfulness, and Jesus' triumph over Satan and death. I ask for the peace of Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 16:33 NLT — "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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