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Day 3) The World We Offend

Three Promises About Persecution:

1) Jesus Endured It

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).

To be persecuted means to be attacked or vilified because of our faith in God. For Christians, it is natural to feel concerned or worried about this, but we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus endured the very worst of persecution. He was arrested and sentenced to death—not because He had committed a crime, but because He was viewed as a threat to the religious leaders. He was beaten and crucified on a Friday, only to rise again on Sunday. No matter the opposition we face, it pales in comparison to the hatred and persecution Jesus endured.

2) Obedience Attracts It

“If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you” (John 15:19).

At first glance, it may seem as though persecution only happens when we do something wrong. However, true obedience to God often leads to true persecution. Jesus never sinned—not even once—and yet He experienced immense hatred. As a matter of fact, if you have never been attacked or ridiculed because of your faith, it may indicate that you look more like the world than like Jesus.

3) Hatred Fuels It

“Whoever hates me hates my Father also. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father” (John 15:23-24).

Darkness hates the Light. When lost people, dead in their sins, are around someone who carries the Light of Christ, they often detest it. This hatred fuels the desire to ridicule and attack Christians. You may not currently face life-threatening persecution, but perhaps you are being taunted at school or work. There is no need to fear—Jesus has already borne your pain, and your future is secure in Him.

Big Idea: As followers of Christ, we can expect persecution because Jesus endured it, obedience to Him attracts it and hatred of God fuels it. However, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world, securing our hope and future in Him.

Let's Think About This:

Question 1) Have you ever experienced persecution because of your faith in Jesus? If so, what was that experience like?

Question 2) As Christians, how should we respond to those who persecute us? What example did Jesus set for us in this regard?

Question 3) There are people right now whose lives are in danger because they profess Christ. Take some time today to pray for them, asking God to protect and strengthen them.