What is the meaning of John 15:20? Remember the word that I spoke to you “Remember the word that I spoke to you …” (John 15:20a) • Jesus is calling His followers to bring back to mind His earlier teaching—He expects His words to remain active in their memory and behavior (John 14:26). • This reminder comes in the context of His farewell discourse; He is preparing them for life without His physical presence (John 16:1-4). • Throughout Scripture, God urges His people to remember His deeds and declarations so they can stand firm when trials arise (Deuteronomy 8:2; Psalm 103:2). No servant is greater than his master “‘No servant is greater than his master.’” (John 15:20b) • Jesus quotes His own maxim first given after washing the disciples’ feet (John 13:16), underscoring that the disciple’s path mirrors the Master’s. • The statement establishes a pattern: whatever treatment the world gives Jesus, His followers should expect the same (Matthew 10:24-25). • This principle also comforts believers—if suffering aligns them with Christ, they share in His glory as well (Romans 8:17; 2 Timothy 2:12). If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well “If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well …” (John 15:20c) • Jesus ties past hostility toward Himself (John 5:16; 7:1; 8:59) to future hostility toward His disciples. Persecution is not accidental; it flows from the world’s hatred of Christ (John 15:18-19). • The certainty—“will persecute”—prepares believers to endure with resolve, not surprise (1 Peter 4:12-13). • Yet suffering for Christ is counted a blessing because it testifies that we belong to Him (Matthew 5:11-12; Acts 5:41). If they kept My word, they will keep yours as well “… if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well.” (John 15:20d) • Opposition is not the whole story—some hearts respond positively. Those who received Jesus’ teaching (John 8:31) will likewise receive apostolic teaching (Acts 2:41-42). • This promise encourages evangelism: God has prepared listeners who will heed the gospel (John 17:20; 2 Timothy 2:10). • The link between Christ’s word and the disciples’ word affirms the authority He entrusts to them (John 20:21-23; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). summary Jesus reminds His followers to anchor themselves in His words, accept that their treatment will mirror His, expect both persecution and receptive hearts, and trust that He empowers their witness. The verse sets realistic expectations and offers assurance: sharing in Christ’s sufferings means sharing in His mission and ultimate victory. |
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