His disciples said, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world." (Jn 16:29-33)
Jesus says that the disciples will be scattered to their own homes and they will all leave Jesus alone. The situation which Jesus is about to face is going to leave the disciples in panic and flight. They will be like sheep without a shepherd. And Jesus, the shepherd, will face the enemy alone. But he will not be alone, because the Father is with him.
Jesus says this because the disciples should have peace in him. This peace is not a detached, philosophical attitude. It is not an attitude that says that nothing more can be done so accept the grim reality. The peace which Jesus speaks about is a strong belief that Jesus is going to win. That is why Jesus says that ‘I have conquered the world.’
The world that will hate, persecute and ridicule the disciples will be defeated. Jesus through his death and resurrection has established a new reality. It is not just an example or model. It is a new reality, a new creation. Everything in the world will become a new reality, will become a new creation.
