John: A Hostile World

John 15:18-16:4

It was 1:00 in the morning. They were praying. They were praying for peace. 

That’s when the Islamic terrorists in the Democratic Republic of the Congo stormed in, attacking the worshipers. This recent incursion resulted in forty-nine deaths, including nine children, all ruthlessly slaughtered with machetes and knives. Several villagers were also abducted.[1] 

According to the Open Doors World Watch List, one in seven Christians faces persecution for their beliefs. This past year, nearly 4,500 have died. There have been almost 8,000 attacks on churches or Christian properties, and about 4,700 believers have been imprisoned.[2]

Should Christians expect some form of persecution? Let’s consider what Jesus told his disciples as he spent this personal time with them, knowing his suffering was near. 

The setting of today’s passage is in the shadow of the cross. In just a few hours, Jesus will be arrested, beaten, mocked, and crucified. Although Jesus doesn't go into detail here, he tells his disciples that he will be leaving and that they cannot follow him. The disciples are still riding the emotional high from the triumphal entry, which makes it difficult for them to fully understand the gravity and significance of Jesus’ message. 

Jesus told his followers that the world would love them if they followed its leader, Satan, the prince of this world (John 12:31; 14:30 NIV). But Satan is evil and diabolically opposed to God, just like everyone who follows him. He infiltrates the culture to turn people against believers. Jesus explained it like this:

John 15:18-20
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. 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.

Jesus is the Light of the world. He came to reveal sin and guide people to the Father. However, most people don’t like being exposed by their sin and want to tell God what the terms of this relationship should be. So, with the Light standing before them and showing his divine authority through many miracles, “people loved the darkness rather than the light” (John 3:19).

In John 15:21-25, Jesus presents a compelling argument. What he tells the disciples is based on the ongoing disbelief of the people. He says, “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” (John 15:21-22). Jesus is not suggesting that those who lived before or after his time on earth and therefore did not see or hear him in person are free of guilt by their disbelief. From Genesis 3, we understand that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Rom. 3:23). 

During Jesus’ time, people observed his actions and listened to the words he spoke. They also witnessed the incredible miracles he performed, demonstrating that he was God in the flesh (John 15:24). Remember, Nicodemus told Jesus, “We know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him” (John 3:2). However, many witnesses and leaders of Israel rejected Jesus and the Father’s work through him because they loved darkness rather than light (John 3:19). 

In their distorted thinking, the Jews believed they were pleasing God by rejecting Jesus (John 16:2-3). Before his conversion, that’s what the apostle Paul thought, too. The nation of Israel was serving Satan (John 8:44). Those who refused to believe that this was the Messiah were at risk of committing the unpardonable sin—final rejection of Jesus. Ultimately, that’s the only sin that cannot be forgiven—someone taking their last breath on earth and still refusing to trust in Jesus. 

Jesus reminded the disciples that hostility toward God's followers is nothing new. He quoted King David, who said, “They hated me without a cause” (John 15:25). He then explained further: 

John 16:1-4
I have said all these things to you to keep you from falling away. They will put you out of the synagogues. Indeed, the hour is coming when whoever kills you will think he is offering service to God. And they will do these things because they have not known the Father, nor me. But I have said these things to you, that when their hour comes you may remember that I told them to you. 

Jesus concludes this section by promising the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth (John 15:26-27). We will focus on the Spirit’s work in our study tomorrow. 

One last thing here. I recently returned from a Living Grounded Bible immersion tour. Our group followed the footsteps of the English and Scottish Reformation. The fires of the Reformation were lit by Martin Luther in Germany (1517) and eventually spread throughout Europe.  

We visited many meaningful sites where we reflected on God’s work during that time. We were also reminded that every spiritual awakening has been accompanied by persecution. We stood at places where people were beheaded, hanged, and burned at the stake. The only crime they committed was following Jesus. They didn’t compromise for the truth found in God’s Word.

I've visited other countries where persecution still happens today. We gathered in living rooms to worship, singing softly with the windows covered and shut. I have also spoken with people who have spent time in prison because of their faith. 

Let’s remember to pray for fellow believers worldwide who are facing persecution. 

Most people reading or listening to this devotional live in a blessed place. We can worship freely and share Jesus openly. We must never take that for granted and wisely use the time we’ve been given to tell others about the One who gave his life for us. Remember: to whom much is given, much is expected (Luke 12:48). 

PERSONAL TIME WITH GOD 
Time in the Word: Read and reflect on John 15:18-16:4. Give thanks for the blessings we have and ask God to give you confidence and boldness in a world that opposes Jesus. 

Talking to God:  How am I praying for and supporting the persecuted church around the world?

Have Questions?
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