Our scripture this morning is John 15:20-27.
“Do you remember what I told you? ‘A slave is not greater than the master.’ Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you. They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. If I hadn’t done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’ “But I will send you the Advocate —the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry.”
Jesus teaches about the hatred the world displayed toward Him and warns that we as His followers will face it as well. Our task is to continue in love as He did, sharing the Good News no matter what. This is never easy, but it is the call He has placed on our lives.
He says that “They hated me without cause” (v. 25), a quote from Psalm 69:4. The evil that exists in our world fears the reign of Jesus because His light and love will conquer all. Since the very beginning evil has wanted to be in control and when it cannot, it lashes out in hate.
Have you ever been involved in a good work and felt like the whole world is against you? I’m sure Jesus understands that, the world opposed Him even as He worked to save us. However, He promised to return for us and to send “the Advocate —the Spirit of truth” (v. 26) to guide and comfort us as we carry on the ministry He has left to us.
Loving Lord, it is hard to stand against the evil that exists, but You have called us to do so and we follow in faith. Help us to be strong in Your love and witness to Your truth always. Amen.