The World Hated Christ and Will Also Hate Christians.

In the believing community, it is normal to share how God saved us and hear others shout in agreement! But in John 15, Jesus tells us to expect something very different from the world. In verse 18, Jesus wants His disciples to know that the world will hate them since it hated Him. Even if our experience has not displayed this hatred, we need to filter our experience through what the Bible says. The truth of the Bible is that believers will be opposed as long as they live among unbelievers.

Expect Opposition From The Unbelieving World

The world, the system of fallen humanity, is morally opposed to believers. Christ changes His followers and calls them out of the world. Since the world is opposed to Christ, it will be opposed to His disciples as well.

What is “the world” Jesus is talking about? In John 15:20-21, 15:25, and 16:1, the immediate context Jesus is referring to by the words “the world” is a religious community.

The religious community of unbelieving Jews rejected the authority of Jesus Christ and hated Christ and, therefore, His followers. They believed the persecution of the followers of Jesus was the right thing to do according to the law. But if they truly worshipped God, they would have recognized Jesus as their Messiah.

Facing Opposition Should Spur Us to Greater Love

Jesus gave us many examples of showing love to those who opposed Him. One example was during the Last Supper. Knowing that his followers would all leave Him and that Peter would deny Him, Jesus still showed love. He washed their feet, showing them how to love one another. Even though He knew they would fail, He knew that they would encounter persecution as well and needed to be shown love.

Jesus instructs us in Matthew 5:43-48 that we are to love our enemies, even the very ones that hate us. We are called to a higher love, not just loving those who love us. God tells us further in Romans 12:9-21 that we are to love and not show vengeance. Christians are to be known by their love, while the world will be known by their hatred.

Even while being hated by the world, we are to be actively loving them.

Application Points

Perhaps when you shared your testimony about accepting Jesus Christ, there were family members or friends who were very upset. Perhaps you have had no direct opposition for living your life for Christ. How should we filter these experiences in light of Jesus telling us that the world will hate us?

• First, remember that our experience is not truth. Our experiences go through an interpretive grid called sin. Even if we see and hear things accurately, we might not interpret those things accurately. Regardless of our experiences in the world, we need to hold high the truth of God’s Word. Bringing our experiences, hurts, joys back to the truth of God’s Word will protect us from wrong viewpoints and spiritual deception.
• Following Christ always costs something. You will be opposed if you break generational traditions or lead others away from the world’s point of view. Others around you may not understand your stand with Christ because of their own sincere beliefs. People can be sincere in their beliefs, but be sincerely wrong.
• We live in a defensive world where it’s acceptable to be angry and show rage. Although it is natural to read this passage and want to take a defensive posture, we need to show Christ’s love. We should want God’s mercy on those who oppose Christ and pray for their conversion.

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore:

• 2 Timothy 3:12
• Philippians 1:29
• 1 Thessalonians 3:3-4
• 1 Peter 4:12-13
• John 16:33
• John 17
• John 13:1-11
• 1 Timothy 1:12-16

A Hymn to Encourage: For the Sake of His Name

Go to the world for the sake of His name;
To every nation His glory proclaim.
Pray that the Spirit wise
Will open darkened eyes,
Granting new life to display Jesus’ fame.

In Jesus’ power, preach Christ to the lost;
For Jesus’ glory, count all else but loss.
Gather from every place
Trophies of sovereign grace.
Lest life be wasted, exalt Jesus’ cross.

Love the unloved for the sake of His name;
Like Christ, befriend those whose heads hang in shame.
Jesus did not condemn,
But was condemned for them.
Trust gospel pow’r, for we once were the same.

In Jesus’ power, preach Christ to the lost;
For Jesus’ glory, count all else but loss.
Gather from every place
Trophies of sovereign grace.
Lest life be wasted, exalt Jesus’ cross.

Rescue the lost for the sake of His name;
As Christ commands, snatch them out of the flame.
Tell that when Jesus died
God’s wrath was satisfied.
Urge them to flee to the Lamb who was slain.

In Jesus’ power, preach Christ to the lost;
For Jesus’ glory, count all else but loss.
Gather from every place
Trophies of sovereign grace.
Lest life be wasted, exalt Jesus’ cross.

Look to the Throne for the sake of His name;
Think of the throng who will share in His reign.
Some for whose souls we pray
Will share our joy that day,
Joining our song for the sake of His name!