What does John 15:22 reveal about Jesus' role in exposing sin? Setting the Scene in the Upper Room John 15 records Jesus’ final teaching session with the Eleven before His arrest. He has just described Himself as the true Vine (15:1-8) and commanded the disciples to love one another (15:12-17). He then warns of the world’s hatred (15:18-21) and says: “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.” (John 15:22) Key Terms to Notice • “Had not come and spoken” – refers to Jesus’ incarnation and public ministry. • “Guilty of sin” – literally, “they would not have sin,” meaning they would not stand condemned for rejecting revealed light. • “No excuse” – they now lack any legitimate defense before God. Jesus’ Unique Role in Exposing Sin 1. He confronts sin by His presence. • The Holy One walked among unholy people (John 1:14; 1 John 1:5). • Light automatically exposes darkness (John 3:19-20). 2. He clarifies sin by His words. • His teaching defined God’s standard with unmistakable clarity (Matthew 5–7). • Because He “spoke” truth directly, people could no longer plead ignorance (John 12:48-50). 3. He confirms sin by people’s reaction to Him. • Rejecting the Son equals rejecting the Father who sent Him (John 15:23). • Opposition to Jesus reveals a heart already opposed to God (Luke 6:45). 4. He culminates exposure of sin at the cross. • Humanity’s worst crime—crucifying the sinless Son—puts our guilt on full display (Acts 2:23). • Yet the same cross supplies the remedy (2 Corinthians 5:21). Amplified Accountability • Greater revelation brings greater responsibility (Luke 12:47-48). • Those who saw Christ’s miracles yet refused Him face heightened judgment (Matthew 11:20-24). • Today, Scripture preserves His words, so every reader is likewise without excuse (Romans 1:20; Hebrews 4:12-13). Echoes and Parallels • John 9:41 – “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but since you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” • Romans 7:7 – “I would not have known sin except through the law.” Christ’s words function much like the law—diagnosing, then driving us to grace. • 1 John 3:5 – “He appeared so that He might take away our sins.” Exposure is step one; removal follows for those who believe. Personal Takeaways for the Believer • Thank God for clear revelation; His Word never leaves us guessing about right and wrong. • Remember that sharing Christ lovingly but plainly is part of exposing sin so that grace can heal (Ephesians 5:11-13). • Let the same Word that convicts the world continually purify your own walk (John 17:17; Psalm 139:23-24). |
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