The Greatest LoveSample

Take Heart!

Take heart, because I have overcome the world. -John 16:33

Corrie and her sister, Betsie, stood in line for their weekly medical inspection. As they shivered in the cold corridor and endured the humiliation of walking naked past the guards, Corrie remembered, Jesus hung naked on the cross. To her sister in front of her, she whispered, “Betsie, they took His clothes, too.” Betsie gasped and replied, “Oh Corrie. And I never thanked Him.”

There, in the horrific setting of the Ravensbruck concentration camp in Germany during World War II, Corrie remembered what Jesus endured—and it sustained her. 

Dutch watchmaker Corrie ten Boom and her aged father and sister had been betrayed and imprisoned for hiding Jews in their home. Corrie’s father and sister died while imprisoned, but Corrie was released due to a “clerical error” and went on to speak to thousands about God’s amazing love and forgiveness.

Jesus suffered betrayal and humiliation and beatings—and died naked on a cross while soldiers bartered for His clothes (Mark 15:15–25). He endured it all because He loves us (John 3:16)! As His disciples, like Corrie, we too can find comfort in trials, persecution, and pain. Our suffering Savior understands what we’re going through and offers this reassurance: “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). -Alyson Kieda

How is it comforting to know that you’re not alone in your suffering? When have you experienced peace in the midst of trouble?

Jesus, thank You for facing humiliation and suffering and even death for me. I don’t deserve it, but You love me. You love me!