In John 16:33 Christ tells his disciples that in spite of the fact that the world will cause them great tribulations that they should be of good cheer for he has overcome the world.
I know that most focus on Jesus is centered on his suffering in Gethsemane, when crucified and at the Resurrection, all of which constitute the most glorious event of humanity, the Atonement.
But I think that before and in order for any of it to even be possible, Christ had to overcome the world!
And what does it mean to overcome the world? First, he had to be part mortal and human so that he would be prone to sin and temptation. Had it been any other way, then it would have been no great sacrifice nor conquer.
Second, Jesus wasn’t born all-learned and all-knowing, but through obedience, temperance, patience, love, hope and faith, he learned of his divine mission holding himself to that level.
And ultimately, he rose above all; in every instance he chose the highest way to deal with the situation. He didn’t make up excuses (even though he was also made of flesh), he didn’t allow the adversary to dictate his actions or thoughts (even though he was directly tempted by him).
I really don’t think it was any easier for him than it is for you and me to keep the commandments. If anything, it would have been a lot tougher because he was tempted a lot more intensely.
And yet, he had never given in, not once. Not a single bad thought about someone, not a single little gossip about somebody, not a moment of anger and loss of temper. After all, had any of these little slips occurred, the offering of him, as a sacrifice in our behalf would have not been acceptable anymore.
Because of all these implications I see Christ’s sacrifice as something beyond the last week of his life. His sacrifice had started at his birth, probably even before that, in the pre-mortal existence.
And I think that his constant commitment to being perfect for our sake is probably a greater sacrifice than even all the suffering and turmoil he’s gone through at the end.
But what empowered Christ to always choose right? What was the mental and spiritual place that he was coming from?
I think it all sprang out from a correct and deep understanding of his identity. I think he could overcome the world because he knew of the higher plan, of his relationship with the Father, of his relationship with us, and of the role he was to play in the whole plan.
I also don’t think that his ultimate goal was to solely be offered as a sacrifice for our sins and to live a perfect life, but I think his desire and hope is that by following his model we will also overcome the world.
He’s shown us how is done so that we can each attempt and even dare to try to overcome that which surrounds us. And although it is impossible, really, for you and me to succeed, on our own that is, he will compensate for the rest.
He wants us to become more and to be happier and the way to start is, just as he started it, to learn and experience our true identity. When we really understand who we are and who we can become, that’s when we become truly powerful, that’s when we dare to take the steps in overcoming the world.
