John 15:17-21 – Persecution
Christ is contrasting Christian love with the hatred of the world. He is telling the disciples that they can expect to meet hatred and persecution in this world. If they are looking for kindness and gratitude from man, they will be disappointed. They will be treated like their Master. Down through history Christians have been persecuted. Ridicule, mockery, slander, misrepresentation, still show the feeling of unbelievers against true Christians. We need to realise that human nature does not change, and that unbelieving man hates God and anyone who reminds them of God. No matter how blameless and consistent our life, it won’t prevent wicked people hating the servants of Christ.
So, why should we be patient under this persecution? For two reasons. First, persecution is the cup which Christ Himself drinks. Perfect as He is in everything – thought, word, and deed, tirelessly as He is in works of kindness, always going about doing good, never is anyone so hated as Jesus is to the end of His time on earth. If we suffer persecution let us remember that we are only walking in Christ’s footsteps. Do we deserve to be better treated? Are we better than He?
Secondly, persecution helps to prove that we are children of God and have treasure in heaven. It is evidence that we are really born again, that we have grace in our hearts, and are heirs of glory. Let us remember these things when we feel ready to give way under the world’s hatred. It is a sign of a work within us by the Holy Spirit that can never be overthrown. Like Christ and His servant Stephen, let us pray for those who persecute us.
Questions
- Why should Christians expect to meet persecution in the world?
- Why can we be patient under this?
- How should we treat those who persecute us?
Prayer Points
- Pray for Christians being persecuted and killed in other countries.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.