Dear friends in Christ, I expect many of you like me have had a hard time understanding the recent events. The following is just something I had to write down so I could read to myself and then read the scriptures that help point me to Christ in these times of trouble.
I don’t believe he was assassinated because of his political views, many others hold similar positions, and those deranged forces despise them all. No, I believe he was targeted for his unyielding love of Christ, which had transformed him into a powerful beacon drawing our youth toward faith. That influence proved intolerable to the realm of darkness.
While we navigate a world that seemingly justifies divisions and malevolence as progress, Jesus’ final words in our Gospel of John serve as a warning and motivator.
In John 15:18-27, on the eve of His crucifixion, Jesus is preparing His Disciples for the end of this earthly relationship and is warning them of the opposition they will soon face. After all, within the verses, there is a reminder and assurance that while we do abide in His love, He is equally reminding us of the world’s inability to abide in our love for them. Despite the hatred, we have the Spirit of truth to testify for us. So let’s look at this passage together, verse by verse, and see how we can apply it to our lives today.
Hatred of the World: The first words of Jesus are very troubling: “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. 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” (vv. 18-19 ESV). Here, in no uncertain terms, Jesus pulls no punches, as He warned His disciples of the costs of discipleship.
In John’s Gospel, the term “the world” represents not only the world we know with our own eyes, but it also denotes the system that is characterized by all the values, powers, and cultural dogmas that are influential, opposing God, and are under the governance of the powers of sin and Satan. As Christians, we experience the privilege of being chosen out of the masses, and not into the ‘system of darkness’, to be “lights to the system of darkness.”
Jesus reminds us, when He says “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours” (v. 20). Again, while persecution is certainly no failure; it is further evidence that we are faithfully walking the trusting steps face-to-face.
Ignorance of the Father: “But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me” (v. 21). The world, in its unbelief, is moved through ignorance of God’s love, and they reject His Son. They struggle to escape this ignorance, and we are charged to respond with compassion and prayer for their eyes to be opened.
No Excuse for Rejection (John 15:22-25) Jesus intensifies the indictment: “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin… whoever hates me hates my Father also” (vv. 22-23). Now, with Jesus’ incarnation, letters, and miracles, many are still willing to reject Christ despite the irrefutable evidence. The works He had done, including healing the blind, raising the dead, and forgiving sins, all represent the Father to whom they pointed. To reject the miracles is to reject the Father.
Jesus here gives that explicit warning that culminates in prophetic fulfillment: “But the word that is written in their Law will be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause’” (v. 25, quoting Psalm 69:4, whole quote expanded from Psalm 35:19). Even their hatred is sovereign scripture! The hatred from the world toward Jesus may have a cause, but it is insufficient and irrational, given that their spiritual ignorance drives it. Yet, God is using this irrational hatred to advance His providential plan of redemption.
What you meant for evil, God will mean for good (Genesis 50:20)! In this cancel culture world, where sharing your faith may result in a loss of your job or further endanger your family and work relationships, remember that their hatred only emerges where a truth claim rests. Trust it, and do not fight it or be angry, accept it as the echo of cries for help in the Psalm, with the power of testimony for Him. The truth is, we have encouragement from the Holy Spirit (John 15:26-27). “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. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning” (vv. 16-27).
I won’t know where you find your ministry, whether through a Twitter post, a casual conversation, or a social media article. Again, we may not have dusty sandal feet from travelling most of Galilee. Still, as we continue to pray and study the word, we meet the risen Lord through the scriptures, prayer, and presentation of our changed lives. Our witness does not rely upon our ability to speak with a great understanding of the Bible, but rather on our authentic nature, and sharing our own stories of the ‘remaining branches’ (John 15:1-8), being productive fruit on the branches that return to Jesus.
Abide in the Storm: This real-life suggestion demands we apply this principle to our lives, creating awareness, but don’t be surprised by your opposition’s perceptions (1 Peter 4:12). Use it as a catalyst for prayer for your opposition, just as Jesus did on the cross (cf. Luke 23:34)!
Create Depth in Love: Love can only surpass hatred by actively surrendering our lives to Christ and serving in love. Jesus’ actions are always creating love, as we learn to love our own neighbours through service, forgiveness, and generosity, while silently speaking to the world that we do follow Christ in action, not just verbally. Our actions betray us; they will know we are following our Master only as we love like the master!
Rely on the Spirit: Take a moment each day to pray for the Spirit’s guidance on how to follow Jesus and to speak to and encourage you. This will take practice and become habitual patterns to be aware of those moments when Jesus once again brings to mind your “from the beginning” meeting moments to fuel your own witness.
Stay Connected: Remember that abiding is a verb in your life (cf. John 15:1-7). As you seek after Jesus’ pruning, deepen the Spirit’s invitation, and focus on your community’s well-being, you’ll find hope in the midst of what you had hoped for not going well.
Friends, we live in a world that hates the light-bearer for no cause at all; we are members of that Light. May we abide in His love amid trials, endure with joy, and witness with power.