I remember seeing a herd of buffalo being attacked by a
pride of lions. The lions identified the weakest calf and went in for the
kill. The mother of the calf tried to
protect her offspring and eventually the rest of the herd joined her, made a
ring around her and protected the calf and mother, eventually fighting off the
pride.
Hate is a strong word that we tend to avoid using if
possible, but Jesus is very open about it (verse 19): “That is why the world
hates you.” Why? Because Jesus has
chosen us out of the world.
Jesus starts verse 18 with, “If the world hates you.” It is
not inevitable that the world will hate us, but as we read on, it seems to be a
very likely thing, so we should not be surprised when it happens. Jesus is saying, if you’re mine, life will be
tough at times – that is the bad news.
The first bit of good news is that there are good reasons
for this hate: Jesus has chosen us (verse 19), we are becoming like him (verse
20), and they recognise Jesus in us (verse 21).
Jesus is the light to the world. He shows up the sin that
men try to cover up. It’s no wonder, then, that they hate him and a little
worrying if we don’t receive similar treatment at times.
The second bit of good news is found at the beginning of the
passage (verse 17). Jesus commands us to love one another so that when we are
hated, we have a safe and secure place to go, back to family, who will love us,
lick our wounds, defend us and provide a secure environment for our recovery.
Are we hated?
Remember Jesus said “If”, but if we are not, is the opposite true? Are
we loved by the world instead?
Response
Do we truly provide a
loving, secure family environment for our fellow brothers and sisters? This is
something we are commanded to do – it’s not an option. How can I do this
better?
Guy
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