John 15:18-25
18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20 Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. 21 They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 Whoever hates me hates my FATHER as well. 24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my FATHER. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’”
JESUS’ final words to His disciples in John 15 are meant to prepare them for what is to come. After describing Himself as the true vine, He transitions to a difficult truth: the world will hate them for following Him. This warning was not to frighten them, but to fortify their faith for the hard times ahead.
In this passage, JESUS explains that the world’s hatred toward His followers stems from its prior hatred of Him. He clarifies that those who belong to the world love what is of the world, but since He has chosen His followers out of the world, they are now opposed to its ways. This distinction makes the world—the fallen system of values that resists GOD—hostile toward authentic faith.
JESUS reminds His disciples, “A servant is not greater than his master” (John 15:20). CHRIST JESUS had faced ridicule, misunderstanding, rejection, and hostility, and His followers should not expect a different fate. This persecution is not a sign that believers are on the wrong path, but confirmation that they are walking in JESUS’ footsteps. The ultimate source of this rejection is spiritual: those who hate JESUS and His followers do so because they do not truly know GOD the FATHER, who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”
Yet, believers are not left without comfort. JESUS promises that the HOLY SPIRIT, the Advocate, will come and bear witness to the truth. In the face of opposition, we are to rely on the SPIRIT’s power to testify to CHRIST. This call is not to be inflammatory or seek persecution, but to remain faithful and to bear witness with courage, grace, and love, knowing that our allegiance is not to the world, but to the ONE who has overcome it.
Prayer
Heavenly FATHER, we thank You for the truth and comfort of Your Word. Thank You for choosing us out of the world and bringing us into Your family, even though we know it comes with opposition. When we face ridicule, rejection, or misunderstanding for our faith, help us to remember that You first endured this hatred. Remind us that we are in good company, walking the same path as our Savior, JESUS CHRIST. Fill us with Your HOLY SPIRIT, so that we may have the courage to stand firm in our convictions without compromise. Strengthen us to love our opponents and to share Your truth with grace, trusting that it is Your power, not our own, that changes hearts. May our witness point others to You, so that they may come to know You and experience your love, in and through CHRIST JESUS’ saving Name, Amen.