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277. Enemy Territory

John 15:18-16:4
Key Verse: "All this I have told you so that you will not go astray."
John 16:1

When the great prophet Elijah called out the prophet Elisha to be his assistant in ministry, he symbolized the call by throwing his cloak over Elisha's shoulders. (1 Kings 19:19-21) When Elijah knew that he would be called home, he warned Elisha to pay attention and, if Elisha saw Elijah's departure, his request would be answered that he would receive a double portion of the Holy Spirit that had guided Elijah. Sure enough, Elisha paid attention, saw Elijah depart in the fiery chariot and stooped to pick up the cloak that fell from Elijah's shoulders as he departed. (2 Kings 2:9-14)

Here, we see Jesus doing something similar, throwing His cloak of ministry over the shoulders of His disciples. These men have seen Jesus face opposition. Now, Jesus is letting them know that their turn will come soon to pick up His mantel and carry on His ministry. He has already promised that the Holy Spirit will be with them, but He has also let them know that it doesn't mean that their call will be an easy one. After all, if they follow Him, this world is no longer be their home. They are in enemy territory.

"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first." (John 15:18) Hate seems like such a strong word in today's vocabulary of political correctness. Yet, it is a fitting word, whether we choose to admit it or not. Satan hates Jesus and the people of this world do too, when they learn what Jesus is really all about. As we shall see, the world wanted Jesus dead and gone. Can there be any stronger hatred than that?  In the same way, they hate us if we are faithful Christians.  But we don’t hate them because we are no longer of this world.  God equips us to love our enemies.

From time to time, during this journey, we have seen Jesus trying to prepare the disciples for His death with dismal results. They couldn't understand what He was saying. If He was Messiah, how could this be?

Also, just as we do not overwhelm children with information before they are mature enough to handle it, Jesus has waited until now to try to prepare them with the knowledge that they will soon follow in His footsteps. Ready or not, as His chosen friends, His ministry will be the course of their lives. If they remember His words, they will know that what they will experience is how it should be. They have been warned. Jesus knows the course. If they continue trusting in Him they will not lose the path.

In fact, we see some of the fulfillment of Jesus’ words soon after the church is born.  The death of Stephen with the approval of Saul is the first installment. (Acts 7:54-60) As events unfold, as Jesus warned they would, the disciples will gain confidence in His message.

Tonight, however, there is simply confusion. The men have enjoyed the traditional Seder with their beloved teacher. They are content and drowsy from the day. There will be time for His words to sink in, but not now.

"Remember the words I spoke to you, "No servant is greater than his master." If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the one who sent Me." (John 15:20-21) Remember, they don't see Him, they see you.


Hymn: "I Want Jesus to Walk With Me"

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