Treatment for our troubles – Part One

Beginning at John chapter 13 and ending at the close of chapter 17, we find what is known as “The Upper Room Discourse.” This five-chapter block of narrative finds Jesus (and His disciples) in a borrowed upstairs room of a home. There the Lord is laying out some final thoughts to teach and encourage His fledgling followers the night before His crucifixion. Shortsighted and self-absorbed, this bickering band of brothers were completely clueless as to what would unfold the next day. How sad indeed they failed to realize that prior to the resurrection, this was their last night with their Messiah. Though they were completely unaware of what lay on the morrow, Jesus knew full well (John 13:1).

Reading through Scripture Bible students unavoidably notice chapter divisions; while the chapter and verse divisions make it easier to locate certain passages, if we are not careful they can also mislead us. Too often, when we see these, we may mistakenly think that one chapter covers one event or one day in the life of Christ, perhaps also thinking the next chapter deals with another day, or another occurrence. Although that is sometimes true, it’s not always the case. As mentioned above, though broken into 5 chapters, the events recorded in John 13-17 all take place within a matter of just a few hours. Most likely this Upper Room Discourse begins somewhere around 5:00-6:00 in the evening and ends somewhere around midnight. After observing Passover, establishing Communion, washing the disciples’ feet, teaching them some significant truths, then lastly offering a Priestly prayer in their behalf, Jesus leads this first church down out of the city, over the Kidron Brook, and into the garden of Gethsemane. It was there that Judas, in an act of betrayal, led the angry mob in the early hours of the next morning to arrest Jesus. By that very afternoon Jesus would be dead. How greatly did those men undervalue those last few hours with their King!

Needless to say the truths shared in that Upper Room were (and are) of incredible value. Equally to the first-century saint, the twenty-first century saint, and every born-again believer in between. Page after page could be (and has been) written exploring the depths of Christ’s teaching that night. For the purpose of this article, I would have us consider one summary phrase spoken by the Lord. I point your eyes and minds to this quote from Christ found in John 16:33, “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.” In this verse, Jesus affirms to His followers that they (and we by extension) will suffer in this world. Make no mistake about it dear friend, we will all face trials and trouble in this life.

I would have you note with me again how this verse begins: Jesus says, “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you may have peace …” It stands to reason, if we want to know what can bring peace in the midst of problems, we ought to look back over the preceding chapters and verses and pay attention to “these things.” In that Upper Room, over the preceding hours, Jesus revealed numerous truths to His disciples that would leap back into their memory and comfort them in the difficult days they were soon to face. These things the Master taught are absolute certainties spoken on an all-important night, to offer solace and strength to struggling saints.

I would encourage you dear reader to get out your Bible; read and re-read this section of Scripture and see if you can identify some of the precious promises made by the Lord Christ. In the space allotted me in this paper, I want to take a couple weeks and make mention of the words of Christ that offer treatment for our troubles.

But first, I find it necessary that we make a crucial clarification. To do so, I would have you give heed to one portion of this passage again. John 16:33 ” … In the world you will have tribulation …” Do you see this affirmation of tribulation? When you read that, does it sound like Jesus is unsure or undecided about the difficulties we will face in this world? Does it sound like Jesus is promising His people they will float through life on flowery beds of ease? No, not at all. By contrast, Jesus is, as the young folks say, keeping it real. He is not sugar-coating life or making empty promises. Jesus is stating with absolute clarity, that every person alive, Christian and non-Christian alike, is going to face hardship and heartache while living on this sin-cursed planet.

Contrary to the empty claims of well-known Prosperity Gospel preachers, it is not always God’s will that His children are healthy and wealthy. Don’t be fooled by wolves in sheep’s clothing who seek to fleece the Lord’s flock. Instead, listen to Jesus … “in this world, you will face tribulation.” Christian, you will carry burdens, experience depression, face affliction, and you will suffer persecution. Follower of Christ, you will be betrayed by friends and forsaken by family. God never promised every day would be filled with cotton candy, rainbows and butterflies. Rather, our Lord is real with us. He speaks truth to us. He plainly tells us, in this world, we will face tribulation. Thankfully however, He does not stop there. He also says, be of good cheer for I have overcome the world!

When facing dreary days and long nights, where will you turn to find treatment for your troubles? I point you to the Lord Jesus Christ. He can grant you peace that passes all understanding. Trust the Overcoming Christ.

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