John 15:21-25

21 "But all these things they will do to you for My name's sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me. 22 "If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 "He who hates Me hates My Father also. 24 "If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well. 25 "But they have done this in order that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their Law, `THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.'

 

Still preparing the disciples for persecution, Jesus urges the disciples to remember that persecution comes because persecutors are opposed to Jesus and the Father. They have no excuse for their sinful ways.

 

First, there would be an excuse if Christ had not spoken to them. But Christ did speak to them. And they hated Him. And if they hated Jesus because of His words, then they hated the Father, because it has already been made clear that Jesus spoke the Father’s words. So persecutors have no excuse for their sins, because the words they reject are Jesus’ words, and not only His, but the Father’s. Ultimately, those who sin against the disciples sin against the Father, because the disciples are proclaiming the Father’s words.

 

Second, there would be an excuse if Christ had not done deeds no one else could do. But Christ did such deeds, and His works came ultimately from the Father. He did His Father’s work. So those who have persecuted Jesus hate the Father Himself. When people reject the disciples’ works, they reject the works of Jesus and, ultimately, the Father’s. There is no excuse for rejecting the Father’s works.

 

All of this fulfills the Law that the persecutors hold so dearly to: “They hated me without cause.” The persecutors Jesus spoke of in this case were the Jews. The Jews would not want to have fulfilled this verse in any sense, especially not in their relationship to God. But that is precisely what they were doing as they rejected the disciples, Jesus, and the Father. The Jews are held accountable for their sins not because they claim to be rejecting God’s words and works, but because they deny that God’s words and works are, in fact, God’s. They should know that these words are God’s. They should recognize the works as God’s. But they refuse to accept God’s words and works, and so are guilty of sin.

 

More broadly, though, some people wonder whether it is a bad idea to bring God’s words to people who have not previously heard them. After all, Jesus says here that those who had not heard His words would not have been guilty of sin.

 

But this is too simplistic. Jesus also says here that those who reject His works (and those of His Father) are guilty of sin. This is why Paul is able in Romans 1 to find all men guilty of sin for rejecting the evidence of Creation. Creation is God’s work, and it should point people toward Him. So all people everywhere have no excuse when they follow other gods, because they have rejected the one true God and have replaced Him with an idol, or even with many idols. We must bring those who are already guilty of sin the clear words of Christ so that they may have at least the chance to believe and be saved!

 

Of course, this is not the main point of this passage. This passage is here to remind the disciples of several things. 1. They will be persecuted. 2. The persecution is to be expected from those who oppose the Father and the Son. 3. The persecutors will be held accountable because there is no excuse. 4. This persecution does not surprise God; He predicted it in the Scriptures.

 

As we follow Christ, we expect some form of persecution. People in all ages have rejected the Father, the Son, and the disciples who proclaim their words and do their works. We can take comfort in the midst of persecution, though. The persecution is not primarily against us, but against God. Therefore, God is paying attention. He will make sure that there is eventually justice. He will defend His name. We can be sure of that. Also, God is not caught off guard. He has predicted persecution all along. And we, His disciples, should therefore not be surprised either. We are not seeking persecution, but as we advance the Jesus Christ’s good news, we can expect it and prepare for it. We can encourage our hearts to remember that our God is in control and is just, and we can endure our “light and momentary trials” because of our faith in Him.

 

Father, help me to trust You even when I am persecuted. Help me to represent You well at all times, leaving revenge and justice in Your hands. You can certainly take care of me. Help me to serve You well.