As We are Unified, Expect Rejection

Scripture: John 15:21-25

They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.  He who hates me hates my Father as well.  If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father.  But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: 'They hated me without reason.'

Insights:  In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus expresses the sentiment of today’s verses in a more simplistic fashion.  He said, “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it (7:13-14).”  The point being communicated is the gospel is rejected by many.  The world system is in opposition to the Triune Community and most do not want anything to do with Him.  Some have tried to make today’s verses a kind of loophole for not sharing Jesus.  The faulty argument goes something like this: if they never hear about Jesus then they can’t be held accountable for not receiving Him as Savior.  In the first chapter of Romans, Paul eradicates such a premise in verses 18-32.  Here is a sample of Paul’s words, “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened (18-21).  One last faulty argument is: well if they are going to reject Him, then why should we waste our time with sharing Jesus at all?  The error is that not all do reject Christ.  It is true most will, but we don’t know who those are that will enter into a life changing relationship with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  So, we share boldly the love of God.  Beloved, share Jesus!

Questions:

1. When was the last time you shared your faith?
2. Has fear of rejection prevented you from sharing the love of Jesus?

Prayer: Lord, the early church prayed for boldness in witnessing.  Grant me that same Spirit so I might share the love of Jesus more courageously.  Amen.