I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world.
Have you ever noticed how someone’s emotions can go from hot to cold in the blink of an eye? Sometimes all it takes is saying one wrong thing and people go from friend to enemy. Couples once happily married find that their feelings have changed. Where laughter once filled their lives now hate rules the day and rules their actions.
From Jesus’ point of view, the world is like a jilted lover. His disciples, once part of the world were embraced by that world. If not embraced, at least tolerated. The disciples have turned their back on the world and given their lives and their hearts to Jesus. The world is not pleased. In fact, the world is downright angry about this. Angry, bitter, and spitting mad. So mad that the world that the prince of this world* will cause those who are under his sway to hunt down Jesus’ followers and kill and imprison them. The world hates those who follow Jesus because Jesus has made it possible for those who believe to escape the grasp of Satan and death.
Jesus is not of the world. We have discovered time and again how even the way Jesus speaks testifies to the fact that he is not from around here. He responds to hate with love. He responds to need with compassion. He responds to hurt with forgiveness. His disciples are learning to do the same. More importantly, they have learned that Jesus came from the Father and was sent by Him. They know that Jesus and the Father are one. They know that Jesus is more than a miracle worker. They know that He is Life itself.
Food for Thought: As Christians how do we respond to hate? How should we?
*John 12:31, 14:30, 16:11
Jesus said to love those who hate you (love your enemies) and pray for those that persecute you (Matthew 5: 44). Jesus also modeled that behavior. I am glad that He does not set such a high standard 🙂
With love and forgiveness. I think we as Americans like to be right and like to be vindicated/vindicate ourselves (Humans Generally). As Rich mentioned, it is a pretty high standard.
Thank you both for your comments! Jesus does indeed set the bar high. Of course, that is why we need him, because the “bar” is already so high we have no hope of attaining it on our own. Yet he challenges us to trust him and break free of the bonds of bitterness and hate. Fortunately he does not leave us to do this on our own. Acts 1: 8 assures believers of the power of the Holy Spirit.