Can't We Skip the Persecution Part?
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | August 15 2024 | John 15:20-21
KEY VERSE:
Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:20 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
Jesus speaks plainly about the reality of persecution for those who follow Him. It’s natural to wonder, “Can’t we skip the persecution part?” No one desires hardship or opposition, yet Jesus clearly states that if the world persecutes Him, it will persecute us as well. This is not because we seek trouble, but because our lives as His disciples stand in contrast to the values of the world. Persecution comes as a consequence of living out the truth of Christ in a world that often resists it. Jesus is honest about the challenges of discipleship, urging us to understand that this is part of the journey with Him.
Persecution, as difficult as it may be, serves a greater purpose in our spiritual lives. It refines our faith, deepens our reliance on God, and strengthens our testimony. When we face opposition for Christ’s sake, we share in His sufferings, deepening our connection with Him. Moreover, persecution often highlights the transformative power of the Gospel. The very resistance we face can become a powerful witness to others as they see the strength, peace, and hope we have in Christ, even in the midst of trials. Skipping persecution would mean missing out on the ways God uses it to grow us and to reveal His glory.
While it’s tempting to wish for a path free of persecution, Jesus calls us to embrace the reality that following Him includes challenges. However, He also promises His presence, strength, and ultimate victory. We may not be able to skip the persecution part, but we can face it with confidence, knowing that Jesus has already overcome the world. When faced in faith, our trials become testimonies of God’s sustaining grace. As we endure, we not only grow in our relationship with Christ but also shine His light in a world that desperately needs His truth and love.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Persecution is sometimes necessary to push us to live up to God’s standards, so endure it. For the sake of the Gospel let's use the resistance we face as a powerful witness to others about Christ and His love for them.
PRAYER:
Give me oil in my lamp and keep me burning. May my oil never run dry in the face of persecution. For your dear name’s sake. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: PERSECUTE
"διώκω" (diōkō) is the Greek word for persecute. It means to pursue, harass, or oppress. This term often connotes a persistent and hostile pursuit with the intent to cause harm or suffering.
In the context of John 15:20-21, the word is used by Jesus to draw a parallel between His own experiences and what His followers can expect. The persecution Jesus speaks of is a systematic and hostile opposition rooted in the world’s rejection of Him and His teachings. Jesus' submission further indicates that persecution is a natural consequence of living in contrast to the world’s values and aligning with him.
Reflections:
Persecution is not a sign of failure but a mark of true discipleship. How can you strengthen your faith and commitment to Jesus in the face of persecution, and how can your response to suffering serve as a witness to the transformative power of His love?
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