Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the time is coming, yes, and has now come, that you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you these things, that in me you may have peace. In the world you have oppression; but cheer up! I have overcome the world.”

(John 16:31-33, emphasis added)

Jesus is explaining to His Disciples and to us what He is to take upon Himself for the sake of the world. His friends, His chosen Disciples, will abandon Him. Judas will betray Him. All the others will run from Him when He is confronted by the Temple guard. He is never alone for the Father is always with Him. He does nothing of His own volition. He only does the will of His Father. In death the Father will be with Him. In His ascension the Father is with Him. His friends will soon be witness to His persecution, prosecution, conviction and His death. But, He says, “…take heart….” Do not be afraid. Be of courage. Hold on to this: “…I have overcome the world.”

He commands His flock to “cheer up” in the face of the terror that is coming. He already knew the outcome, for He says, “I have overcome the world.” His love for all is manifest in His sacrificial death for the “sin of the world.” This is Impartial Grace.