Monday 28 October 2013
- Bible Book:
- John
“If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. Because you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world—therefore the world hates you.” (v. 19)
Background
Jesus' words to the disciples dispel any illusions they or wemight have that being a follow of Jesus is going to bringpopularity or an easy life! In this context, Jesus' purpose thathis followers would love one another (verse 17) is a necessarypreparation and a mutual protection against the opposition thatthey will encounter.
Christ refers to "the world" frequently in this passage. In thepast, Christians have often been suspicious of worldly things: JohnPawson, an early president of the Methodist Conference after JohnWesley's death, even burned Wesley's annotated copy ofShakespeare's plays, which he considered unedifying. Suspicion fellon dancing, the theatre, and popular novels well into the twentiethcentury. Here, however, Jesus is referring not to things of theworld in general ('culture' as we would know them today) but tothose who are indifferent or hostile to God and to God's people. Heimplies (verse 18) that 'the world' has a hatred which is a fixedattitude toward him and it is an attitude that carries over to hisdisciples as well. "The world" assumes this attitude because theyreject all who do not conform to their values.
Jesus' choice of the disciples on the other hand (verses19-20) had set them apart for a different purpose. Therefore, theworld would exclude them. While being chosen by Jesus guaranteedthat the lives of his disciples would have eternal value andsignificance, it did not guarantee them immunity from attack. Jesusgoes on to explore why those who oppose him hold this attitude.Firstly (verse 21) it is out of ignorance: "because they do notknow him who sent me". Consequently, the world cannot evaluateadequately God's self-sending in Christ. Also, though there isresentment of Jesus' claims and standards (verse 22). Both by hislife and words he rebukes uncovers human sin, exposing selfishnessand rebellion against God. In verse 24 Jesus makes clear that heand the Father are one and that to hate him is to hate the Fatheralso: neither can be accepted or rejected without the other. Toexplain his position, Jesus paraphrases (verse 25)
The last two verses of this chapter define the expectedaction of the disciples who will maintain the testimony of Jesusafter he has left the earth. In response to this attitude of hatred(verses 26-27) there must be a continuing witness to the love andgrace of Christ, empowered by the Holy Spirit.
To Ponder
- How does your own personal engagement with culture, in reading,viewing, listening and visiting, reflect the values of Jesus?
- Are there aspects of popular culture you think Christiansshould avoid? If so, what are they and why should they beavoided?