When Following Jesus Isn’t Easy—But You’re Not Alone (John 15:17-16:4)
In John 15:17 to 16:4, Jesus gives His disciples an honest warning. He has just talked about love—God’s love for us and how we should love others. But now, He tells them something they need to hear: not everyone will respond kindly to that love.
Sometimes, following Jesus comes with challenges. People may not understand your faith. Some might even reject or mistreat you for it. Jesus wanted His friends—and all of us—to be ready for that.
Let’s take a closer look at what He said.
“The World Might Hate You”
Jesus says:
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
That’s a strong statement, but Jesus is being real. He was kind, loving, and truthful—and yet many people rejected Him. He wants His followers to know: don’t be surprised if people don’t always accept you either.
Why? Because when we follow Jesus, we live differently. We try to love when others hold grudges. We speak truth when lies are easier. That kind of life stands out—and not everyone likes that.
“You Don’t Belong to the World”
Jesus continues:
“You do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world.” (John 15:19)
This means that as followers of Jesus, our values and priorities are different. We belong to Him now. We try to live with love, honesty, and grace—even when that’s not popular.
It doesn’t mean we’re better than others. But it does mean we may not always fit in. And that’s okay.
“They Didn’t Know the One Who Sent Me”
Jesus also says that the people who rejected Him did so because they didn’t truly know God. They had religion, rules, and traditions—but they missed the heart of it all: God’s love and truth, shown through Jesus.
This reminds us that sometimes, opposition doesn’t come from a place of hatred, but from confusion, fear, or a lack of understanding.
The Holy Spirit Will Help You
Then Jesus shares something encouraging:
“When the Advocate comes… he will testify about me. And you also must testify.” (John 15:26–27)
The “Advocate” is the Holy Spirit—God’s presence with us. Jesus says, “Yes, things may get hard. But you won’t be alone. The Spirit will help you stay strong and remind you of the truth.”
Why Jesus Told Them All This
In John 16:1, Jesus explains why He’s saying all this:
“All this I have told you so that you will not fall away.”
He doesn’t want His followers to be caught off guard or discouraged when things get tough. He wants them to stay steady in their faith.
He even says:
“They will put you out of the synagogue… In fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.” (John 16:2)
That happened to many early Christians—and still happens in parts of the world today. But Jesus didn’t hide the truth. He prepared His followers so they would stand firm, knowing they were not forgotten or alone.
What This Means for Us Today
These words from Jesus are still true and important today. Here are a few takeaways:
-
Being a Christian doesn’t always mean an easy life. But Jesus walks with us through every challenge.
-
It’s okay to feel different. Our faith may not always make sense to the world—but it makes us who we are.
-
You are never alone. The Holy Spirit is with you, guiding and strengthening you.
-
Jesus understands rejection. When we face hard times, He knows exactly how we feel—and He cares.
Final Thought
Jesus never promised a smooth path, but He did promise His presence, His Spirit, and His peace. If you’re facing resistance for your faith or feeling like you don’t quite “fit in,” remember what Jesus said:
“I have told you this so that you will not fall away.”
You are seen. You are loved. And you are not walking this road alone.
John 15:17-16:4 (WEB)
15:17 “I command these things to you, that you may love one another. 18 If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will do all these things to you for my name’s sake, because they don’t know him who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates me, hates my Father also. 24 If I hadn’t done among them the works which no one else did, they wouldn’t have had sin. But now they have seen and also hated both me and my Father. 25 But this happened so that the word may be fulfilled which was written in their law, ‘They hated me without a cause.’26 “When the Counselor has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will testify about me. 27 You will also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning.16:1 “I have said these things to you so that you wouldn’t be caused to stumble. 2 They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. 3 They will do these things because they have not known the Father nor me. 4 But I have told you these things so that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you about them. I didn’t tell you these things from the beginning, because I was with you.