1. In ch.13-17 of his Gospel the apostle John wrote about the Lord's "private ministry" [His interactions with the apostles]. 2. As Jesus spoke to the apostles,: a. He was comforting their troubled hearts b. He was preparing them for the Great Commission. 3. In this lesson we are examining the Lord's instructions in John 15:18-16:4. 4. After teaching the apostles to bear fruit (John 15:1-8) and to love one another (vs.9-17), He taught them in these verses that they would be hated.
Discussion:
I. JESUS ADDRESSED THIS SUBJECT EARLIER WHEN HE GAVE THE LIMITED COMMISSION
A. Jesus said that the apostles could expect opposition (Matthew 10:14-18, 22-28). B. Jesus informed the 70 that they could expect opposition (Luke 10:10-11, 16). C. To prepare the apostles for the Great Commission, Jesus spoke at length about how they would be hated.
II. (John 15:18-20) BY HATING THE APOSTLES, PEOPLE OF THE WORLD WOULD HATE THE LORD
A. John began his Gospel by showing how some people did not receive the Lord while some did receive Him (John 1:10-13). B. Jesus let the apostles know that they could expect the same response. C. (vs.18) The world already showed contempt for the Lord by hating Him first. D. (vs.19) The world would hate the apostles because they were not "of the world." E. (vs.20) As the Lord's servants the apostles would be treated like He was. F. To illustrate the point, consider God's statement to Samuel (1 Samuel 8:7).
III. (John 15:21-25) BY HATING THE LORD, PEOPLE OF THE WORLD WOULD HATE THE FATHER
A. The Father sent Jesus into the world and gave Him a mission and a message. B. People of the world hated Jesus when He presented His message from the Father -- consequently, they hated the Father. C. Hatred for the apostles would be hatred for the Lord that in turn would be hatred for the Father.
IV. (John 15:26-27) JESUS AGAIN STATED THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT WOULD BE A COMFORTER TO THE APOSTLES
A. Jesus spoke about this in Matthew 10:19-20. B. Jesus spoke to the apostles earlier about the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17, 26). C. The Spirit would testify of Jesus, and the apostles would bear witness of Him.
V. (John 16:1-4) JESUS SAID THESE THINGS TO THE APOSTLES TO PREVENT THEM FROM STUMBLING
A. Persecution can cause a person to stumble (Matthew 13:20-21). B. Jesus wanted the apostles to remember His instructions about being hated so they would not stumble.
