In the Beginning: The Book of John

(John 15:18-25[HCSB])

18 “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own. However, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of it, the world hates you. 20 Remember the word I spoke to you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you on account of My name, because they don’t know the One who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin. Now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 The one who hates Me also hates My Father. 24 If I had not done the works among them that no one else has done, they would not have sin. Now they have seen and hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this happened so that the statement written in their scripture might be fulfilled: They hated Me for no reason. *

*Those who hate me without cause are more numerous than the hairs of my head; my deceitful enemies, who would destroy me, are powerful. Though I did not steal, I must repay. ~ Psalm 69:4

As we experience all that we have become familiar with in this world –terror, fear, hatred, obsession with all things material, and evil incarnate we must be aware that the “beginning of the end” was always meant to come about in this manner, and at this time in our history. Jesus was speaking to you and me as surely as He was speaking to His Disciples over 2000 years ago.

Jesus makes clear that it is one thing to not have heard the good news, or never to have known His name; but having heard and having known, we [all] are convicted of our sin and are now fully accountable for it. In this way we do, indeed, “know better.”

There is simply no excuse for unbelief. And, there is no excuse for rejecting the only One who can save us. And yet, the backlash is considerable, especially from the unrepentant sinners, but also from Christians who behave like proper atheists …

The theme of unrighteous persecution connects seamlessly forward to 1 Peter (do not be surprised when being treated unjustly; make sure it is for having done the right thing) and backward to Psalms (I did not steal, but must now repay; My enemies are powerful and many). Again, we are reminded that picking up our own crosses every day, as Christ followers, will not be without a steep price.

Our Master is also our best friend. He is God.