How does John 15:20 remind us of the cost of following Jesus? Hearing Jesus’ Warning in Context • John 15 records Jesus’ final night of teaching before the cross. • After describing Himself as the true vine (vv. 1-11) and commanding love among believers (vv. 12-17), He turns sober: friendship with Him brings hostility from the world (vv. 18-25). • Verse 20 is the hinge—He ties our experience directly to His own. Exact Words, Exact Implications “Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.” (John 15:20) • “Remember”—the cost isn’t optional; it’s integral to discipleship. • “No servant is greater than his master”—the literal, unbreakable principle: what happens to the Master necessarily overflows to His servants. • Two possible responses: persecution or obedience. Both reveal hearts toward Christ and, by extension, toward us. Persecution: The Expected Price Tag • Jesus was slandered, rejected, beaten, crucified. We should anticipate parallel treatment. • 2 Timothy 3:12 underscores it: “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” • Luke 9:23 adds the daily cost: denying self, taking up the cross, following Him. • Acts 5:41 shows early believers living John 15:20—“They rejoiced that they were considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the Name.” Why This Cost Matters 1. Validates our union with Christ—opposition confirms we belong to Him (Philippians 1:29). 2. Purifies motives—persecution strips away half-hearted discipleship (1 Peter 1:6-7). 3. Advances the gospel—hardship becomes a platform for testimony (Philippians 1:12-14). Balancing the Hard Reality with Hope • Jesus pairs the warning with the promise: some will “keep” His word through our witness. • His Spirit empowers endurance (John 15:26; Acts 4:31). • Eternal reward outweighs temporary loss (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17). Living Out John 15:20 Today • Expect misunderstanding rather than seek applause. • Stand firm on Scripture even when it clashes with cultural currents. • View opposition as participation in Christ’s story, not personal failure. • Encourage one another, knowing the same trials are faced by the family of believers worldwide (1 Peter 5:9). Closing Takeaway John 15:20 doesn’t merely foretell trouble; it frames suffering as a badge of authentic discipleship. The Master was opposed, yet He triumphed. Walking in His footsteps costs much—sometimes everything—but it leads unmistakably to life. |
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