City Life Starter

Written by Blesson Selvanesan

The Word

²³ Whoever hates me hates my Father also. ²⁴ If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’

Interpretation

Jesus came to save the world, and the Israelite’s were the chosen ones. Jesus did his ministry among the Jews and demonstrated God’s power through healing the sick and many miracles. His teaching was powerful, and His revelations were unmatched. Despite seeing all this, the Jews refused to believe in Him and His claims. Some ignored Him and others opposed Him. They hated Jesus so much that they were willing to kill Him. All this just for relaying the message from His heavenly father. Ironically, the religious people were worshipping the same God, but they were so blind that they could not recognize Him even when He taught and roamed among them.

Jesus told His disciples that they(the Jews) hated Him because they hated God the Father also. Even though they claimed to be true worshippers of God, they were worshipping a caricature of a God and not the real One. Astonishingly, Jesus passed judgement over them because they stayed in their sinful course despite knowing the truth and despite God Himself living as a gospel among them. One can sympathize with those sinners who sinned without knowing, but not with someone who did it knowingly and refusing to believe the Messiah who was living among them.

Application

Jesus is still hated by a lot of people. It’s hard to accept the Truth and follow His teachings. Ignorance is one level of offence, but arrogance and rebellion are totally another. Hatred towards Jesus and his followers are part of the package for a believer in Christ. If someone hates a believer for being a follower of Christ, it is not just because of who they are, but because they hate Christ and his teachings and the Father who sent Him. They may claim that they love Christ, but their actions will be rebellious. God will ultimately judge them and put them in places where they belong. Do not be perplexed on seeing these people, just be patient as Christ was.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for giving Jesus as our eternal friend. Open our eyes to see Jesus. Help us not to make the same mistake as they did. Instead, help us to identify who you are and follow you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.