PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 15:18-27
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“This is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason.’” (John 15:25)
Jesus is talking about how people responded to him, and will respond to his followers.
The world loves those who are like them, who share their values and perspectives.
Jesus speaks and shows love to the unlovable, those looked down on by the world.
This is why he was rejected; he refused to treat people like the world does.
But notice, by the ‘world’ he means the Jewish leaders, those who follow “their Law”.
It is the ‘church’ that rejected Jesus, because he did not follow their view of the Law.
This is David’s lament in Psalm 69, the quote that Jesus references.
David’s own family treats him as a stranger because of his zeal for God (Psalm 69:4,8-9).
Do not be surprised, Jesus is saying, that church people will turn on you.
Their view of the Law will lead them to criticize how you love people like Jesus.
Worldly love only loves the one’s we agree with, the one’s we approve of.
I fear that the church today is holding back on God’s love, as they did in Jesus’s day.
I suspect that if we loved like Jesus did, we would be criticized by the church.
Who do I have a hard time loving… am I being criticized for being too loving?
PRAYER
Lord, forgive me for having a worldly love, one that only loves the ones I like. Help me to love like you, and to be strong when your own family criticize me for it.
Being connected with Jesus is a risky thing – especially in some places i.e., Muslim countries. You have to be careful – it becomes extremely important how you interact and deal with people. In fact if you are known to be a Christian missionary – you are at an even higher risk. Yet, like Jesus: “And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” I must testify. I must testify not as one who condemns but as one who cares. People we meet must see the heart and be almost ‘charmed’ – desirous to know what’s in your heart. Loving others as Jesus loved. But expect that even good intentions can be turned against us – that is why he leading and guiding of the HS is so important – that I act on His leading and not my own. Lord, I’m here, help me listen to you!
In the world but not of the world.
Be like Jesus.
He empowers.
Others need to see Christ Jesus living in me by my words and deeds. I Just need to walk with my Lord each day as He He continues to lead and guide how to serve Him today.
When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.