John 15:18-25

Read John 15:18-25 

Helpful Background Information: 

• In this passage, Jesus is speaking directly to his disciples during the passover, shortly before he is arrested and crucified. This passage comes directly after Jesus’ address to the disciples about remaining in Him and His love. This displays the difference between God’s love and the love of the world. 

• The hate that the world has for Jesus ultimately culminated in the crucifixion of Jesus. As described in verse 25, the world did this without cause, to fulfill what was written about Jesus in Psalms 35:19, 69:4, and 109:3. This pattern in Scripture adds to the narrative of consistent rejection of the righteous by the world. This hate is the same for all who are servants of Jesus. 

• By the time that John wrote this book of the Bible, the enmity between believers and the world was clear. The church was facing active hostility from both Jewish and Roman authorities. This also sheds light on 1 John 3:13 and the hatred from the world described there. 

Reflection Questions: 

• In this passage, Jesus’ followers are described as being rejected and hated by the world because they are like Jesus. While there is not outright persecution in the USA, how might living for Christ cause hate from the world for believers? What do Christians do that makes them targets for the world?

• Jesus gave Himself over to be crucified because He loved the world, despite their hatred for Him. As He loves us in this way, how are we to respond to the hate of the world? How can you be prepared for this by the power of the Holy Spirit?

• In the face of a world which hates Jesus, how does God provide for believers who are also hated? How can your heart change so that you value the love of God over the love of the world? How can Jesus help you live in that?