How Jesus conquers

Find today’s readings here.

We have kids at home learning to speak, so I’ve been thinking about how certain words have meant such different things over my lifetime. The word “conquer” in today’s Gospel reading is one of them. 

As a kid, I thought of this word mostly in the context of sports, though I think a little bit of King Kong mixed in as well—maybe because of its sound. In history class, we read about William the Conqueror, and later the conquest of the Americas, and the conquistadors. 

But none of those word associations resonate with the image I have of Jesus. We read Jesus’ words today: “In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world” (Jn 16:33). The word being translated in Greek is νενίκηκα, transliterated as nenikēka, according to some quick research. It’s perfect tense of νικἀω (nikáō), which we may be more familiar with as νíκη (nikē), also the name of the Greek goddess of victory, the inspiration for the sportswear.

In any case, the word can be translated as “conquer” or “prevail” or “overcome.” In English, “conquer” makes me think of subjugation and domination, victory over an enemy and overpowering someone. That’s not what Jesus does. 

Some Catholic biblical scholars find in the perfect tense of the word “conquer” a significant sign to help interpret the meaning of the passage. Even at this point of the Gospel narrative, before the crucifixion and the resurrection, Jesus has already overcome. 

After explaining to his disciples that they will leave him, Jesus assures them: “But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me” (Jn 16:32-33). Within the context of the narrative, Jesus is assuring his disciples that despite any hardships or sufferings that may come their way, he is the Lord. 

The “conquering” that takes place is one of endurance, not of dominance. Those who inflict harm on us are not to be vanquished. God is with us and can help us endure whatever struggles come our way. Being a Christian is not about having an easy life, but about self-denial, taking up our cross and following Jesus (Mt 16:24, Mk 8:34, Lk 9:23). Like Jesus, we can have peace even in times of trouble. As he did on the cross, the Lord can make all things new through us.