John 15:18-21

Hated by the World

Daily S.O.A.P. Prompts

S – What verse stands out to me today?

O – What is God revealing about Jesus?

A – How should this change my life today?

P – What is my prayer in response?

Scripture

(John 15:18-21, NLT) 18 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. 19 The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. 20 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. 21 They will do all this to you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me.

Observation

• These verses shift from just remaining to the persecution that will occur because we associate with Jesus. Words like "hate," "persecution," and "rejected" are used by Jesus. 

• The world (or cosmos; general world created by God) will hate us because they hated Jesus first. If we belonged to the world instead of Jesus, they would not hate us. 

• Jesus clearly instructs us to “come out” of the world. We are called to be separate from the world. As a result, we will be hated and persecuted, just like Jesus.

• They didn’t listen to Jesus, so they won’t listen to us. 

• They (the world) have rejected the Father. 

Application

• Persecution will come if I am connected (or remaining) in Jesus. 

• Jesus calls us to be separate from the world. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, thank you for loving me and calling me to yourself. The world rejected you, and they will reject me as well. I will love as you have loved even if they reject me as they rejected you. Give me the strength to stand for what is right even if it isn’t popular. Though they hate me, I will choose to love them. I ask for your help. In Jesus' name, amen! 

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