Gospel of John 09.vp

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The Gospe l of John

VI. The Hatred of the World, 15.18-25

Jesus now declares that the animosity, rejection, and hatred that he is about to endure is not unique to him; all those who belong to him will likewise suffer such hatred because of their intimate connection to him. This segment makes the idea of Jesus’ departure even more frightening: how would they be able to withstand the venomous attacks of those who hated the Messiah without him being present to guide and aid them? Who could endure such rejection? Jesus assures them that such hostile treatment is to be expected because of his illumination of the world’s guilt.

A. The hatred of the world, 15.18-21 ( Precisely why does and will the world hate you so much? )

1. The world has hated Jesus as Messiah before they have expressed hatred for his disciples, 15.18.

2. You don’t belong to the world ( I chose you out of the world ), and therefore it hates you, 15.19.

3. A servant is not greater than its master: If the world persecuted me, they’ll persecute you; if they kept my word, they’ll keep yours too , 15.20.

4. You will experience their hatred because of my name, because they do not know the one who sent me , 15.21.

B. The exposed sin and guilt of the world , 15.22-25

1. The world’s sin has now been exposed through my coming and speaking to it , 15.22.