7. Week Seven: The Conqueror

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble and suffering, but take courage – I have conquered the world.

Jesus in John 16:33

When I think of a conqueror, I picture an imposing general, maybe Russell Crowe’s Maximus in Gladiator or George C. Scott’s Patton. By their very presence, the enemy is warned that the battle will be fierce.

Jesus came as an unconventional conqueror, winning victory not by might but through his own death. Instead of appearing in heaven as a mighty warrior, he is the Lamb who was slain. “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered; thus he can open the scroll and its seven seals. Then I saw standing in the middle of the throne and the four living creatures, and in the middle of the elders, a Lamb that appeared to have been killed. . . .” (Revelation 5:5-6).

The day will come, however, when Jesus returns looking every bit the conqueror:

Then I saw heaven opened and here came a white horse! The one riding it was called “Faithful” and “True,” and with justice he judges and goes to war. His eyes are like a fiery flame and there are many diadem crowns on his head. He has a name written that no one knows except himself. He is dressed in clothing dipped in blood, and he is called the Word of God. The armies that are in heaven, dressed in white, clean, fine linen, were following him on white horses. From his mouth extends a sharp sword, so that with it he can strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he stomps the winepress of the furious wrath of God, the All-Powerful. He has a name written on his clothing and on his thigh: “King of kings and Lord of lords,” (Revelation 19:11-16).

Part One

The Farewell Discourse on the eve of Jesus’s death continues. Jesus further develops many of the same themes, preparing the disciples for all that is ahead on this night and into the future.

Read John 15:18-16:4.

*** Journal your thoughts on the relationship between this passage and what Jesus just taught in John 15:1-8.

Respond to the story by journaling:

• Journal about Jesus’s words to his disciples, considering how he is preparing them for what is ahead.
• We are not persecuted in the U.S. as so many Christians around the world are now, but it could come in our lifetimes. If that happens, what words here might you cling to and why?
• What is God saying to you today from this passage?

Part Two

Although Jesus causes sorrow through his words to his disciples, he also gives them great hope.

Read John 16:5-16:33.

*** Read more about Jesus’s victory in Rom. 6:5-11; 1 Cor. 15:20-28, 56-57; Eph. 4:8; Rev. 3:21 and journal your thoughts.

Respond to the story by journaling:

• What does Jesus reveal about himself in this passage?
• What does Jesus say to bring hope to his disciples later when the difficult prophecies come to pass?
• How are you encouraged today by Jesus’s words?

Part Three

John 17 is often called the High Priestly Prayer because in it Jesus, our great High Priest, intercedes for his followers.

You might mediate over the prayer in three parts: 1. vv. 1-5 as Jesus prays for himself; 2. vv. 6-19 where he prays for the eleven who are there with him; and 3. vv. 20-26 as he extends his prayer to include believers who will come to faith through the testimony of the disciples.

Read John 17.

*** This prayer provides a great example of praying for God’s kingdom to come in and through us. Jesus taught us to pray “Thy kingdom come.” Journal about what you learn from Jesus about how to pray for and seek that in our lives, in the church, and in the world around us.

Respond to the story by journaling:

• What does Jesus reveal in this prayer about his relationship with the Father?
• What do you learn about those who believe in Jesus (the church) and his priorities for us?
• What is God saying to you today through Jesus’s prayer?

PRAYER: Pray for God’s kingdom to come in and through you.

Watch Who Is This Jesus? Week 7 That Accompanies This Lesson At https://Vimeo.Com/Album/4507580