When we look at what Jesus is saying here, it could easily be viewed as discouraging. Jesus goes straight to the point and says that the world will hate us. The world is going to persecute us. We will be treated poorly. We are going to face many oppositions and trials. Jesus doesn't just say that these things could happen, he says they will happen. All of this will happen because we choose to follow Jesus. That doesn't look very encouraging if you look at it that way. Instead, we must change our perspective on it.
Why is the world going to hate us as Christians? Because the world first hated Jesus. When we look at the life of Jesus it is full of people hating and opposing him. Jesus, God in the flesh, perfect, sinless, was hated for who he was and the truth that he shared. Jesus tells his disciples that they will be hated too for following him. Jesus also goes on to explain to the disciples, that a servant is not greater than their master. How can we expect to live a life that is completely different than our master? How can we expect to follow Jesus and expect not to face opposition and persecution? We are not greater than our master. We are servants to him. We should expect to face many of the same things that he faced. Jesus explains that people who hate you, hate him and hate the Father.
We can cling to that truth when we face these trials. It can be hard when we start to wonder why things might happen the way they do or why people oppose us. What we must remember is that these same things happened to Jesus, and he tells us to expect them. If we are not facing any opposition for following Jesus, are we truly following him? It is a deep hard question to really ask ourselves. We must have that mindset in life. We know we have Jesus who has already been through it all and is our advocate. He knows and understands the persecution and opposition we may face.
In John 16:33, Jesus gives us a great word of encouragement in this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We can find peace and encouragement in any situation because of who Jesus is. We are going to have troubles, but we can find peace in him in every situation. He also calls us to take heart and remember that he has overcome the world! We have nothing to truly be worried about. Jesus has overcome a life of opposition, he has overcome sin and death, and he has conquered all of those things so that we can find true peace and hope in his salvation. When we keep our hearts close to his Word, it can inspire us through the tough times of life. Jesus also promised the Holy Spirit, which is always with us. May we be open to the Spirit's leading in our lives at all times! May we look to be led by the Spirit and walk by the Spirit.
Why is the world going to hate us as Christians? Because the world first hated Jesus. When we look at the life of Jesus it is full of people hating and opposing him. Jesus, God in the flesh, perfect, sinless, was hated for who he was and the truth that he shared. Jesus tells his disciples that they will be hated too for following him. Jesus also goes on to explain to the disciples, that a servant is not greater than their master. How can we expect to live a life that is completely different than our master? How can we expect to follow Jesus and expect not to face opposition and persecution? We are not greater than our master. We are servants to him. We should expect to face many of the same things that he faced. Jesus explains that people who hate you, hate him and hate the Father.
We can cling to that truth when we face these trials. It can be hard when we start to wonder why things might happen the way they do or why people oppose us. What we must remember is that these same things happened to Jesus, and he tells us to expect them. If we are not facing any opposition for following Jesus, are we truly following him? It is a deep hard question to really ask ourselves. We must have that mindset in life. We know we have Jesus who has already been through it all and is our advocate. He knows and understands the persecution and opposition we may face.
In John 16:33, Jesus gives us a great word of encouragement in this. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We can find peace and encouragement in any situation because of who Jesus is. We are going to have troubles, but we can find peace in him in every situation. He also calls us to take heart and remember that he has overcome the world! We have nothing to truly be worried about. Jesus has overcome a life of opposition, he has overcome sin and death, and he has conquered all of those things so that we can find true peace and hope in his salvation. When we keep our hearts close to his Word, it can inspire us through the tough times of life. Jesus also promised the Holy Spirit, which is always with us. May we be open to the Spirit's leading in our lives at all times! May we look to be led by the Spirit and walk by the Spirit.