John 15
October 3, 2022
“If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (v18b-19)
Jesus lays out the logical reason for why we will endure opposition and hatred from the world: we do not belong to this world. In fact, Jesus says that because He has chosen us out of the world, the world will hate us, “just as it hated Him” (v18). As God’s Word says elsewhere, we can’t be friends with both Him and the world (James 4:4). In fact, if we never experience opposition in this world (because of our faith), we might need to question whether we are being outspoken enough about our faith.
Lord Jesus, thank You for choosing me to belong to You, not because of any merits of my own, but simply because of Your love. Forgive me for the times I try to straddle living for Your Kingdom and carving out a comfortable life in this world. Open my eyes to see Your goodness and glory so that the things of this world pale in comparison.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
~ Helen Lemmel
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
