The Cost of Following Jesus (John 15:18-25)
Scripture: John 15:18-25 (CSB)
“If the world hates you, understand that it hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you.” (John 15:18-19)
In John 15:18-25, Jesus shifts the focus from the joy and fruitfulness of abiding in Him to the reality of opposition His followers will face. He prepares His disciples for the inevitable hatred and persecution they will experience because of their association with Him. Jesus makes it clear that this hostility from the world is not a reflection of the disciples themselves but a result of the world's rejection of Him.
Jesus reminds His followers that if the world hated Him, it will also hate those who belong to Him. This hatred stems from the world’s inability to understand or accept the message of Christ. As disciples of Jesus, we are no longer "of the world"; we have been chosen out of it, set apart to live according to God's truth. This distinction will bring opposition, as the values and ways of Jesus stand in stark contrast to those of the world.
However, Jesus’ words also carry a message of hope. The opposition we face is a sign that we truly belong to Him, and just as He overcame the world, we too can stand firm in our faith, knowing that the Holy Spirit will strengthen and sustain us.
Key Lessons for Our Daily Lives:
Expect Opposition for Following Jesus: Jesus warns that those who follow Him will face hatred and persecution. Are you prepared for the challenges that come with being a disciple of Christ? Reflect on how your faith may lead to misunderstanding or opposition, and ask God for strength to remain faithful.
We Are Set Apart from the World: As believers, we are not of the world; we have been chosen and called to live according to a different standard. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to conform to the world’s ways? Ask God to help you live out your identity as a follower of Christ, even when it is difficult.
Opposition is a Reflection of the World’s Rejection of Jesus: When we face hostility for our faith, it is ultimately a rejection of Jesus, not us personally. How can this perspective help you when you encounter opposition? Let this truth encourage you to stand firm, knowing that you are sharing in Christ’s sufferings.
Jesus Overcame the World: While Jesus does not promise an easy path, He does promise that He has overcome the world. Are you facing persecution or challenges for your faith right now? Take comfort in knowing that Jesus is victorious, and through Him, you can endure and overcome any trial.
This passage reminds us that following Jesus comes with a cost. Yet, it also reassures us that we are not alone in our struggles. Just as the world hated and rejected Jesus, so it may hate and reject His followers. But in the midst of opposition, we can stand firm in our faith, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world and will be with us through every trial.
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being chosen and set apart as Your followers. Help us to stand firm in our faith when we face opposition and persecution for the name of Jesus. Give us courage to remain faithful, even when the world rejects us, knowing that we are ultimately sharing in the sufferings of Christ. Strengthen us by Your Spirit and remind us of the victory that Jesus has already won. In His name we pray, Amen.