ESOCS Devotional 26 July 2022
TEXT: JOHN 15:18-27
MEMORY VERSE: “But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me.” John 15:21 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
In this passage, Jesus is using the word “world” to describe the people who reject Him and who will persecute Jesus and His followers. The Bible is clear that all people, even those who have never heard of Jesus, are guilty sinners before God (Rom. 3:10-18). All people have evidence that there is a Creator by looking at His creation; but they “suppress the truth in unrighteousness … so that they are without excuse” (Rom. 1:18-20). Also, all people have violated their consciences, doing what they instinctively know is wrong (Rom. 2:15). And so, all have sinned and thus are guilty before God (Rom. 3:23).
A study of the life of Jesus and the apostles reveals that they endured much in the way of physical suffering in the service of God, and also persecution. A knowledge of the original meaning of the word “suffering” is needed. Consulting Strong’s concordance, we find the definition as “something undergone, i.e. hardship or pain.” Hardship of any kind, endured for the sake of the Truth or for God’s service or for the sake of ourselves as New Creatures is suffering with Christ.
Jesus told the disciples that they did not belong to the “world.” And most likely, the “world” will hate them because they did not belong to the world of the Pharisees. Rather, Jesus had chosen them out of the world to follow Him and His example. The path of following Jesus is a difficult one. Are we truly ready to truly follow Him? This is more than simply giving “lip service” to His teachings. If we consciously choose to follow Jesus, we may have to make difficult choices and in that process, we may alienate some of the people in our lives.
Following Jesus sounds very romantic and holy. However, following Jesus may be a difficult journey at times. If we choose to wholeheartedly follow Jesus, most likely we also will experience rejection or perhaps even hate. Jesus clearly was countercultural in His society. Are we willing to follow Jesus rather than the “crowd?” Are we prepared to truly be countercultural in our beliefs and choices? Are we willing to deal with anger, rejection or alienation if we make choices to do what is truly loving and kind? Do we trust Jesus to walk with us, strengthen and grace us?
Some of the worst persecution came from the religious leaders (Acts 4:1–3). Jesus told His followers, “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). He reminded His disciples, “But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him” (John 15:21).
Every time we witness for Christ we show that we know him and that he lives in us through the Holy Spirit (vs 26–27). We must be ready to suffer for His sake so that we will reign with Him in the end.
- Who do you choose to follow, the crowd or Jesus?
- Father, grant me grace to suffer for your sake, in Jesus name.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: Numbers 23:13–30; Ezekiel 14:12–23; 2 Timothy 3:1–17
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ESOCS Devotional 26 July 2022
