Thursday, December 1st, 2016
John 14:18-27
key verse: 18
The harder the rain falls, the more we long for the roof of the house. If we stay, many persecutions will rain down. Jesus told his disciples that they shouldn't be surprised at these persecutions. Why not?
1. Know this (18-21)
Jesus told his disciples to keep in mind some basic truths. First, when the disciples face persecution, they must remember that before them, Jesus had already experienced much persecution. Jesus speaks about the evidence of hate, since the disciples have gone out of the world, and this provokes inevitable hate from the world, since it detests non-conformity. Jesus also reminds them of the spiritual order: a disciple is not greater than his master, so they should expect the same treatment their master received, though they will also rejoice in the same way their master rejoiced (Luke 10:21).
2. If I hadn't come (22-27)
First, Jesus emphasized the ignorance of those who persecute. He said it's because they don't know Him who sent Jesus; thus, they persecute him. On the other hand, it's because of their wickedness that they don't accept Jesus; they continue to persecute him and those who follow him. They commit a deliberate act. Jesus, using the conditionnel tense, condemns this deliberate act, since he had sufficiently told and showed them things, yet they deliberately rejected him. Therefore, they have no excuse (Romains 1:21). The disciples will be persecuted, but they must not be worried, because the Counselor will come and teach them and testify about Jesus. The hate of the world will knock hard at their door, but Jesus knows the Holy Spirit will make them greatly triumph.
Prayer: Lord, since I've left the world, it persecutes me; I've asked myself why. Forgive me, since it's normal to be hated, for you were hated, even more than I.
Bottom line: Do not be surprised, but wait patiently.
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