38. John 15:18-27 Christ's followers hated by the world

April 8th, 2025
by Randy Eliason
0
 

1. SCRIPTURE 

SCRIPTURE READING: JOHN 15:18-27  
SCRIPTURE HIGHLIGHTS:
Vs 19  “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
 
Vs. 26 “But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me.

2. OBSERVATIONS : 

Jesus told his disciples that, because they belonged to him, they should expect people who were “of the world” (i.e. those who did not belong to Jesus) to treat them the way those people treated Jesus. Those who hated Jesus and persecuted Jesus will also hate and persecute Jesus’ followers. Those who listened and followed Jesus’ teaching will embrace the teaching of Jesus’ followers. Those who hated Jesus exposed themselves for their hatred of God the Father, even though they may have claimed God as their Father.
 
Jesus was trying to prepare his disciples for the persecution they would inevitably face as his followers. He was not trying to discourage them but to help them avoid the discouragement that comes from having unrealistic expectations that life is going to be free from opposition and difficulty.
 
The Holy Spirit is our “helper”. He helps us discern truth from error and he reveals the truth about Jesus to us.

3. APPLICATION: 

What does this passage tell me about Jesus?
If someone rejects Jesus followers, they have rejected Jesus. If they reject Jesus, they have rejected the Father.  Those who love Jesus will be found loving his followers. Those who love God the Father will also love Jesus, God the Son. 


What does this passage teach me about myself/mankind?
As “followers of Jesus” we should not expect people to respond to us any differently than they responded to Jesus. 


How does this passage impact my affections, attitudes and actions?
It prepares me to expect and endure rejection because of my decision to follow Jesus’ teaching without apology.  It also challenges me to assess my life and ask whether or not I have a tendency to compromise the truth in order to avoid rejection and persecution from those who are likely to be offended by it. 

4. PRAYER: 

“Dear Jesus, help me be prepared to be treated like you were treated. Forgive me if I have expected a life exempt from the rejection and persecution that comes with being a follower of Jesus. Show me how to live the kind of Spirit-filled life that empowers me to be a bold witness for you!

In Your name, Amen.
Posted in The Gospel of John Part 2 (21-40)

Randy Eliason

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The Gospel of John Part 2 (21-40)
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