John 15:12-27 | What's happening (and who's involved)?

There are ultimately two modes of the believer that are being discussed here. There is the relationship with the believer and other believers, and then there is the relationship with believers to those in the world.

The relationship between believers is one that is marked by love. That love, in turn, marks a dynamic of self sacrifice. Jesus proves His love for His disciples that He calls His friends by laying His life down for them. He encourages believers to take this same attitude of love with one another.  But even in this, He gives a precedent for those who are called His friends. It is those who walk in obedience. This is a similar test for us. We are joined together with those who are walking in obedience to the Lord. We do not share in fellowship with those of the world. As such, Jesus also describes that dynamic.

The dynamic of the relationship with believers and the world is one that is marked by hate. It is not hatred from the believer to the world, but from the world to the believer. The world hated Jesus first. Seeing as the servant is not greater than his master, if Jesus was hated, so will His followers be. Jesus makes the distinction clear. Those who love Him will obey Him. Those who do not obey hate Him. Those that hate Him hate the Father who sent Him. So why should the believer be surprised when the world hates them? And they hate without cause. So let not the believer be surprised at how the world treats them.

Jesus then reminds the disciples that the Helper would come and would advocate for them. They ought not to lose hope.

What observations are you making today?