Jesus is Essential
John 16:1–4: “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues; yes, the time is coming that whoever kills you will think that he offers God service. And these things they will do to you because they have not known the Father nor Me. But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
“They shall put you out of the synagogues” means excommunication. In that day to be excommunicated was the worst that could happen to a religious Jew. It would cost these men to stand for the Lord Jesus Christ. The religious Jews would cast them out. My friend, I’m very candid to say again that if you are standing for Christ, it is going to cost you something.
Jesus again traces the source of the hatred. Because they do not know the Father, they do not know the Lord Jesus Christ. Also this is why the world hates the Word of God. This is why the world hates the genuine believer. He is letting them know what is coming and He is training them for what is to come. The Lord always prepares us, friend. I have learned in my own experience and by watching others that the Lord trains and prepares us for that which lies ahead. 1
Walking with Jesus
Are you willing to pay the cost for living a life dedicated to fulfilling the will of God? Remember, people are actually rejecting the life of Christ in you. Be careful not to take it so personal. Your reward awaits your arrival at your heavenly home.
And blessed is he who is not offended because of Me.” Matthew 11:6
Expect rejection on earth, but in heaven, expect a glorious reception.
Praying
Lord, thank You for telling me in advance about what will happen, and why it will happen.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (John 11-21) (electronic ed., Vol. 39). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
