City Life Starter

Written by Opeyemi Ojekunle

The Word

²⁰ 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. ²¹ They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. ²² If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin.

Exegesis

Jesus reminded the apostles about the persecution and hatred from the world, as it is seen in 2 Timothy 3:12 “In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” This is going on in our world today. Jesus encouraged them to bear the hatred of men, persecutions and insults for His name’s sake. The apostles will find comfort and strength knowing that Jesus also felt everything they are going through.

The world will hate anyone who is just and right before God, some biblical examples that confirm this; Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing of God on him (Genesis 27:41); Joseph’s brethren hated him because his father loved him (Genesis 37:4) and Saul hated David because the Lord was with him (1 Samuel 18:9). The people treated Jesus so badly because they did not understand the character of God who sent Him, His justice, or His law. It was beyond their reasoning. Therefore, they were so opposed to the teachings of Christ, they were filled with pride and opposition to a plan of salvation that is so humbling to people. Thus they persecuted Jesus and later the disciples, and then for us who live and share the good news of Christ today.

The advantage that the apostles have is that Christ himself came and spoke the gospel to them; He spoke to them in person, and He is still speaking to you and I today through our Bibles, the Holy Spirit, and our church leaders. He expresses His love and unquestionable authority over us.

Those who do not accept this gospel have no excuse because Christ has come to tender his grace and love to everyone. People choose to ignore this good news. They will be guilty for allowing the coming and teaching of Christ to be in vain, they have no cloak for their sin; they are altogether inexcusable!

Application

When you identify with Jesus, you will not be liked by everybody. The gospel of Jesus seeks to unite us with the love of the Father, whereas, the world is continually separating us by cultural differences, tribal differences, political differences, and lots of other differences.

Hence, be encouraged to always stand on the gospel of Jesus. You are no longer of this world the moment you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ. Walk in this humility, trust God to love you and spread the same love with your brothers and sisters in Christ, not minding how the world treats you.