2nd May April 2011

John 15:18-27 – The World hates the Disciples

• “ … without reason”
• Jesus gives the disciples a reality check.
• He prepares them for persecution and helps them understand that it will come because of their connection with Him.
• He explains that no servant is above His master – in others words; what makes you think you will get away with things if I was unable to?
• I wonder if the disciples needed to hear this in case they either a. thought that because they were persecuted they were doing something wrong or b. thought that if they taught people with enough reason then they would accept the message.
• The problem is that Jesus’ message cannot be accepted without a heart that ultimately wants what God wants. No reason is enough.
• Jesus tells them; They hated me without reason.
• In doing so He yet again invokes remez by quoting from Psalm 35 and Psalm 69 which also prophecies certain details about the crucifixion.
• Interestingly listen to what the Jews say about themselves: this is what the mishna/talmud says written after Jesus’ death . . .
• Why was the second sanctuary [temple] destroyed, seeing that in its time they occupied themselves with studying Torah, obeying mitzvoth and practicing charity? Because in it prevailed hatred without a cause” Yoma 9b
• We must not be surprised as leaders when no matter how much rational we use; people reject our words. It’s not always about reason. it is about heart.
• And that is another challenge that education alone will not convince people. But giving people an experience of the Kingdom will help us and them know if they are leaning forward or not.
• Also we must still do the work of Jesus no matter what reaction.
• We have to do the right thing because it is the right thing.
• Praying today that I do not go to church, read by Bible, practice charity and yet still reject God’s message to me.