³³ “These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.”

Seven times in the New Testament this word for courage is used, and always in the imperative, a command—and always spoken by Jesus to His disciples. Peace provides the foundation for courage. We have the ability to be courageous because we are no longer distracted by the inner conflicts that so easily neutralize any spiritual power we might otherwise have.

The word courage means, “to be firm or resolute in the face of danger or adverse circumstances, be enheartened, be courageous.” The world is a dangerous place, with all kinds of hazards for the Christ-follower, being mocked and marginalized because of Christ-like moral behavior. In a few hours the disciples will watch the arrest of their Master and mourn His death.

To be sure, they subsequently saw multitudes baptized on the day of Pentecost, but the history of the Christian movement is one littered with the martyrdom, suffering and deprivation of millions. Men and women through the centuries have had the courage to witness to Christ despite the prospect of hardships, and even die with the peace of God in their hearts. It is a peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:7). It is a peace that engenders courage.

And we need this kind of courage. We need courage for evangelism. “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God” (2 Ti 1:7–8). We need courage when facing all kinds of difficulty. “Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Co 12:10). We need courage when facing the persecution for our faith. “But even if you should suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are blessed. And do not fear their intimidation, and do not be troubled, but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:14–15).

We follow a Master who has overcome the world in the truest sense. Because of this we can have peace and be courageous, one of the great and magnificent promises Peter wrote about some thirty years later (2 Peter 1:4).

Lord, thank You for giving me Your peace. I resolve to be more courageous because You have overcome the world.