School School Lesson
January 31
Lesson 9 (KJV)
Called to Prophesy
Devotional Reading: Joel 2:28–32
Background Scripture: Luke 2:36–38; Acts 1:12–14; 2:16–21; 21:8–9
Luke 2:36–38
36. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;
37. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
38. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Acts 2:16–21
16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel;
17. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
18. And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy:
19. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke:
20. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come:
21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Acts 21:8–9
8. And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
9. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
Lesson Aims
After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:
1. Summarize the text quoted from Joel.
2. Explain the significance of fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.
3. Repent of valuing the Spirit’s influence in some people more than in others.
HOW TO SAY IT
| Aser | A-ser. |
| Assyrians | Uh-sear-e-unz. |
| Caesarea Maritima | Sess-uh-ree-uh Mar-uh-tee-muh. |
| Ethiopian | E-thee-o-pee-un (th as in thin). |
| eunuch | you-nick. |
| Huldah | Hull-duh. |
| Isaiah | Eye-zay-uh. |
| Messiah | Meh-sigh-uh. |
| Pentecost | Pent-ih-kost. |
| Phanuel | Fuh-nyoo-el. |
| Samaritans | Suh-mare-uh-tunz. |
Introduction
A. Willing to Tell Others
Consider the following actual and planned ministries. (Some of those mentioned work in dangerous settings, so no names are used.)
• Woman A planned to go to a country so remote and so expensive to get to that no missionary organization would sponsor the idea. She went anyway.
• Woman B, a missionary in the Far East, is age 91—and still working.
• Woman C, a tiny but bold person, rescues children in danger of sex trafficking.
• Woman D, against the advice of others in a certain foreign country, visited Buddhist temples and spent time talking about Jesus with the monks there.
• Woman E deliberately hires non-Christians to work for her Christian ministry in order to influence and help them.
• Woman F has plans to minister to shrine and temple prostitutes. (Yes, there’s still such a thing.)
• Woman G would sing in bars—free of charge—if management would let her include a Christian song with each set.
We might wonder at the apparent lack of preparation of some of the above. But God isn’t interested in perfection—He’s interested in willingness. Where are you in your preparation for ministry? Are you waiting until you’re perfect? If so, you will never answer God’s call when it comes! Few of us will preach to massive crowds or build a megachurch. But through His Spirit, God recruits people for amazing assignments nonetheless. This lesson touches on just a few examples.
B. Lesson Context: Judaism
The five lessons of this quarter’s final unit look at examples of faithful women in the first-century church. All three of today’s lesson texts come from the author Luke. Analysis of his two books (Luke and Acts) shows that he had special regard for women (Luke 7:11–14; 10:38–42; 13:11–13; Acts 1:14; 16:13; etc.). These texts and others affords an opportunity to celebrate stories that are sometimes overlooked. These women, named or not, played important roles in the ministry of Jesus that continued in the church.
The Jews of Luke’s day lived not only in Palestine but also in enclaves of Greek and Roman cities throughout the empire (examples: Acts 2:5; 6:9; 14:1). Jews maintained their own practices regarding women’s roles, as directed by their understanding of Scripture and of family structure from ancient times. In general, a Jewish female was attached to a man who served as her provider, protector, and authority. Normally, a father held this role for a daughter and a husband for a wife.
Devout Jews honored God’s concern for widows (see Deuteronomy 27:19). These often were older women who had no opportunities to remarry or be employed. For them, the likelihood of having a male provider was limited, necessitating help from the community (compare Acts 6:1–7; James 1:27).
Women were allowed to attend synagogue gatherings, but only as observers. They were usually seated in a balcony or in some other section apart from men. The temple in Jerusalem that was rebuilt after the exile had a courtyard for women, beyond which women were not allowed.
C. Lesson Context: Paganism
Jewish communities experienced varying degrees of influence from Greek and Roman cultures. As the Roman Empire expanded, Romans brought their traditions to their conquered peoples. Roman society was dominated by men at all levels: business, politics, government, and military. But some women gained influence by their association with powerful men. In particular, some wives of the emperors achieved notoriety and celebrity. Sometimes mothers, wives, or sisters would even appear on the coinage of an emperor.
Women also played an important role in the civic religion of Rome, with the revered Vestal Virgins recognized as maintaining the ancient traditions of the city. However, the primary sphere of influence for Roman women was within the home, where they managed the household and saw to the proper raising of children. The Romans idealized the “matron,” the upper-class woman who managed her home well and remained chaste, modest, and loyal to her husband (in many cases, in spite of his own lack of sexual fidelity).
Although the Greeks had been conquered by the Romans, Greek culture survived and remained influential in reshaping Roman society. Greek culture, like that of the Romans, was male-dominated; the home was considered to be the proper realm of women. The Greeks, however, were not as uniformly tradition-bound as the Romans in this regard. Some Greek women were people of business, and their wealth gave them influence in their communities (compare Acts 17:12).
Even so, relationships within families varied in pagan cultures. Some husbands loved and respected their wives and saw them as equal partners in life. Other men had little affection for their wives and might abuse or ignore them, with few consequences from society outside the home. Wives often tolerated sexual infidelity by men, but women who were unfaithful were liable to divorce, disgrace, or even death. No one considered this to be a double standard, but simply the proper state of things in society. The prominence of even a few women in the New Testament accounts is therefore both surprising and instructive.
I. In the Temple
(Luke 2:36–38)
When Jesus was eight days old, Joseph and Mary took Him to the Jerusalem temple to consecrate Him as required by Scripture (Exodus 13:2; see Luke 2:21–24). In the temple courts, the little family encountered two people who were waiting for the Messiah (Luke 2:25, 36). One was a widow named Anna, considered next.
A. Faithful Widow (vv. 36–37)
36a. And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser.
Anna is a Greek form of the name Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel (1 Samuel 1:20). Hannah’s prayer of thanksgiving for Samuel (2:1–10) echoes throughout Mary’s song of praise (Luke 1:46–55). Luke likely appreciated this further connection to that time past when a longed-for baby boy was born.
A prophet or a prophetess is someone chosen by God to speak for Him as He brings something to mind. In the Old Testament, four women are designated as being prophetesses: Miriam (Exodus 15:20), Deborah (Judges 4:4), Huldah (2 Kings 22:14), and the unnamed wife of Isaiah (Isaiah 8:3). Though their words are not recorded at length like those of Moses or Jeremiah, these women served in the same ways by communicating what God revealed to them for the people to hear.
The mention of Anna’s father, Phanuel, suggests that he was a well-remembered resident of Jerusalem as Luke wrote this account. His name means “face of God,” or “presence of God.” This implies his religious dedication, a faithfulness that was passed down to his daughter. Fittingly, his daughter would see God face-to-face when she met the baby Jesus.
The tribe of Aser (Asher; see Exodus 1:1–4) was one of the 10 northern tribes destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BC. Though many were taken into captivity at that time, others were left behind. Some became the people known as Samaritans through intermarriage with non-Israelites. Anna’s family apparently was left in the land but did not intermarry with other peoples, thus remaining recognizably as being from a tribe.
36b–37a. She was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity. And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years.
Fourscore and four years can refer either to Anna’s age (84 years old) or to the approximate amount of time she had been widowed. Either possibility means that she was old enough to remember when the Romans conquered the Jewish homeland in 63 BC.
37b. Which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.
Rather than find a new spouse, Anna devoted herself to spiritual service within the temple. She fasted (probably weekly) and prayed (surely daily). Though she literally may not ever have left the temple, more likely the language is meant to emphasize her continual devotion to serving God.
| What Do You Think? What role should fasting play in your own devotional life? Why do you say that? Digging Deeper How do the precedents in Esther 4:15–16; Acts 13:2–3; 14:23 help frame your answer? |
My Praying Mother
My mother, Helen, was only 46 when my dad died. At the time, she was a nominal Christian. But a few years later, she experienced transformative renewal in Christ.
One demonstrable change was my mother’s commitment to prayer. She made two lifestyle changes regarding prayer. The first was to pray for an hour a day. The second was to establish a literal prayer closet in an old storage space. Mom cleared stuff out to make room for a small table and a lamp. A little door ensured privacy. And a kneeling posture was required—there wasn’t room to stand! As long as she lived in that house, Mom faithfully sought the Lord and made daily intercession for others in her prayer closet.
Where are the Annas—and the Helens—of our generation? Will we also faithfully serve the Lord with fasting and prayer?
—A. S.
B. Expressive Witness (v. 38)
38. And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
Anna’s words reveal that she had messianic expectations for Jesus (compare Luke 2:30–32). Recognizing redemption to be at hand was a fulfillment of prophecy (Isaiah 52:9). However, what is meant precisely by redemption in Jerusalem is not clear. To redeem means to “buy back,” or “deliver from danger” (Leviticus 25:29, 48; Hebrews 9:12). Anna could, like many others, have national politics in mind: redemption would mean that Judea, like Israel of old, would be its own sovereign nation again.
That would have had special appeal because Anna was old enough to remember when Rome became the official power in Judea. Memories of life before Rome were enticing, even if those times were less than peaceful. Or she could have the more spiritual redemption from sins in mind.
The Spirit did not fill in any incomplete understanding Anna may have had regarding Jesus’ role. This should be a comfort to us all, as we each know only “in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9). God sees fit to use whatever faithful understanding we have to witness to others, just as Anna witnessed to Mary and Joseph that day in the temple.
| What Do You Think? If you are a “senior citizen,” what methods of witness and service can you focus on that those of a younger generation might not do as well at? Digging Deeper If you are not a senior citizen, what can you do to support their witness and service? |
II. In Jerusalem
(Acts 2:16–21)
Acts 2 continues the story of Jesus’ followers after His resurrection and ascension. A group of about 120 remained in Jerusalem, including the apostles (minus Judas); Jesus’ brothers; and a group of women that included Mary, Jesus’ mother (Acts 1:14–15).
On Pentecost, 50 days after the Passover, the Holy Spirit descended on this group in spectacular fashion (Acts 2:1–4). This dramatic event drew a diverse crowd as an audience for Peter (2:5–11). It was an ideal setting to explain the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus.
16. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel.
The word this refers to the speaking and hearing in the native languages of those gathered (Acts 2:11). By way of explanation, Peter’s quotation spoken by the prophet Joel that follows comes from Joel 2:28–32.
17–18. And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: and on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy.
The prophet Joel, about whom we know virtually nothing, had foreseen the day of the Lord centuries earlier. That day would be a time when God would intervene dramatically in the history of Israel (see Joel 2:1). The last days refers to the beginning of the final era in God’s plan for humanity. We have been in these last days for some 2,000 years now (Hebrews 1:1–2; 1 Peter 1:20; 1 John 2:18). A widespread distribution of God’s Spirit would be a sign that the new era had dawned.
The inclusion of Gentiles was anticipated by the phrase all flesh (compare Galatians 3:26–29). Then, lest he be misunderstood, Joel inclusively specified both genders and the spectrum of age groups as conduits for God’s communication. Those whom society or culture previously viewed as being ineligible to speak on behalf of God would be empowered to do just that!
Joel’s prophecy reveals that God’s eligibility criteria are not necessarily what people expect. Peter spoke as if this prophecy was fulfilled, implying that some of the female followers of Jesus already had received this gift.
| What Do You Think? How should you react if someone comes to you claiming to have received a message from God in a dream or a vision? Digging Deeper Which texts help best in framing your decision: Acts 9:10–12; 10:3–19; 16:9–10; 18:9–10; 26:19; 2 Corinthians 11:12–15; Colossians 2:18; 2 Peter 2:1; 1 John 4:1–3; 2 John 9; Jude 8; Revelation 22:18? Others? |
B. Wonders and Signs (vv. 19–21)
19–20. And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: the sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.
The specific wonders and signs noted here did not occur on the Day of Pentecost. Even so, there were supernatural sounds and visual phenomena that accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:2–3). This part of the prophecy may point ahead to the second coming of Christ (compare Luke 21:25–28).
21. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
The events on the Day of Pentecost were not primarily about the miraculous gifting of the Holy Spirit or about the inclusion of both genders in prophetic ministry. The scope of salvation is more than welcoming men and women equally, and much more than the ability to prophesy. Rather, the primary issue is the announcement of salvation to all who call on the name of the Lord (see Romans 10:9–13). Peter himself did not at this point fully understand the sweeping nature of the word whosoever, given his growing understanding in Acts 10:1–11:18.
Not included in today’s printed text is the crowd’s reaction of asking what they must do and Peter’s calling them to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38).
III. In Caesarea
(Acts 21:8–9)
The following brief account occurred near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, in AD 58. Thus more than two decades had passed since the Day of Pentecost. At the point where we join the narrative, Paul and companions were nearing the end of their multi-stop sea voyage.
A. Evangelist Father (v. 8)
8. And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
Luke, the author of this narrative, was a traveling companion of Paul (see Colossians 4:14) and was with him at the time of this incident. This is indicated by use of the word we.
In reading of the arrival of Paul’s company … unto Caesarea, we take care to observe that this is the coastal city of Caesarea Maritima, not the inland town of Caesarea Philippi (Matthew 16:13; etc.). Caesarea Maritima served as a Roman administrative center and military headquarters. About 60 miles northwest of Jerusalem, this city figures prominently in the book of Acts (see Acts 9:30; 10:1, 24; 11:11; 12:19; 18:22; 23:33; etc.).
Philip the evangelist (who is not to be confused with the apostle Philip) lived in Caesarea. He is one of the “seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom” chosen for the ministry described in Acts 6:1–6. He later crossed cultural boundaries to preach the gospel to Samaritans (8:4–25), and then to an Ethiopian eunuch (8:26–40). Philip’s home became a way station for Paul as he journeyed to Jerusalem for the final time.
| What Do You Think? What do the changing roles of Philip the evangelist (Acts 6:1–6; 8:4–7, 26–40; and 21:8) teach you about how to react to God’s changing calls on your life? Digging Deeper In what ways does the further consideration of Stephen’s changing roles (Acts 6–7) cause you to modify your answer, if at all? |
B. Prophetesses (v. 9)
9. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
The description of Philip’s four daughters as virgins indicates their status as being unmarried (compare 1 Corinthians 7:34). As such, they lived in their father’s house (see Lesson Context: Judaism), where Paul was staying.
The four daughters which did prophesy and their evangelist father were likely well-known to Luke’s readers and were celebrated as servants among fellow Christians in the area. Although this is a reasonable conclusion by inference, nothing further is recorded of Philip and his daughters.
| What Do You Think? In what ways can you better encourage fellow believers to use their spiritual gifts? Digging Deeper Are the best ways to encourage women to do so the same best ways to encourage men? Why, or why not? |
Prayerful Impressions
Several years ago, Leonie joined our church staff as missions minister. She often has occasion to share a Scripture that addresses a situation; along with that may come a perception or challenge. When I asked her how this process works, she shared that as she enters into a time of prayer, she asks, “Lord, what do You want to say?” As she waits, Leonie is often impressed by everyday images or word pictures—along the lines of Jesus’ parables—that may provide insight and hope for people and their circumstances.
If those individuals are present, Leonie strives to present her impressions in such a manner that it may be God’s way of speaking to them. And she checks that her words are based on and consistent with Scripture, which is God’s primary way of communicating with us, of course.
When you pray, do you expect God to listen and answer?
—A. S.
Conclusion
A. Gifted Women
An aged widow. A group of women who had followed Jesus and remained in Jerusalem after His ascension. A band of four unmarried sisters. The New Testament offers these as examples of first-century women who were endowed with the gift of prophecy. Important questions exist regarding whether the spiritual gift of prophecy continues yet today (compare Zechariah 13:1–6; 1 Corinthians 13:8–12; Hebrews 1:1–2). But those questions, as important as they are, are not the focus of this lesson.
The focus, rather, is on using one’s giftedness in answering God’s call to ministry. As one observer put it, “When the church is working properly, every woman as well as every man will be using at least one spiritual gift in ministry to others in the body of Christ” (see also 1 Corinthians 12:1–11 and 1 Peter 4:10).
B. Prayer
Father, we thank You for the prophetic voices You have given to Your people. We thank You for the examples of Anna, the Pentecost women, and the daughters of Philip as faithful people who served You. May we be as faithful! We pray in the name of Jesus, in whom we are one. Amen.
C. Thought to Remember
God gifts people for ministry according to His will and plans, not ours.
KID’S CORNER
Belong to Jesus or Belong to the World
Sunday, January 27, 2021
John 15:18-27
John 15:18-27
(John 15:18) “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before it hated you.
For good reasons, Jesus said “If,” rather than immediately scare His disciples by telling them that they would be hated by those of the world. Before telling them directly, He wanted to explain to them some of the reasons for the world’s hatred of Him and them. Jesus had told them earlier that the world has a ruler or prince. Remember, in John 12:31, Jesus said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be driven out.” Those of this world hate Jesus because Jesus promised that this world will be judged, and the ruler of this world will be driven out. Those of this world prefer living under the lordship of the devil rather than under the Lordship of the loving and true God (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit). Paul described living according to the world and the devil in Ephesians 2:1-3, “You were dead through the trespasses and sins in which you once lived, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, following the desires of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else.” Those of the world hate Jesus and His true disciples because they want to remain separated from God and they want to follow the ruler of the power of the air for the temporal pleasures he offers them and helps them attain. Paul wrote that such people are “dead through the trespasses and sins in which [Jesus’ followers] once lived.” Those of the world see Jesus and His followers as a threat to their decadent lifestyle, which is an indication that they are spiritually dead.
Remember, in John 14:30-31, Jesus foretold His disciples, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no power over me; but I do as the Father has commanded me, so that the world may know that I love the Father.” The devil never had and never will have any power over Jesus. Jesus gave up His life voluntarily in our behalf as a sacrifice for our sins; the devil never took His life from Him. Those of the world hated Jesus and would hate His true disciples because the ruler of this world has no power over Jesus and Jesus always did what the Father commanded. By grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the ruler of this world has no power to separate Jesus’ disciples from the love of God, as Paul described in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Furthermore, Jesus’ true disciples have committed themselves to obeying Jesus because they love Jesus and the Father. They may be hated and persecuted as Jesus will tell them, but the devil has no ultimate power over them and neither do those of the world. The devil and those of this world hate the fact that Jesus and His disciples love the Father; so, just as they persecuted and crucified Jesus, they will kill and persecute Jesus’ true disciples—who will keep loving God to the very end and forever.
Those of this world and the devil hate Jesus and His followers because, as Jesus will tell His disciples in John 16:11, “the ruler of this world has been condemned.” The devil has been condemned, but those of this world do not need to be condemned, for in John 3:17-18, Jesus promised, “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” One reason Jesus’ disciples pray for those of this world as they share the good news of Jesus with them is because of their spiritual condition or spiritual deadness. In 2 Corinthians 4:4 and 6, Paul explained their situation: “In their case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. . . For it is the God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
(John 15:19) “If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you.
Jesus continued to explain to His disciples (and to all His true disciples since then) that His true followers do not belong to the world—Jesus’ true disciples belong to Jesus and Jesus belongs to them. Jesus’ true disciples love God and no longer want to live according to the sinful pleasures of this world, nor do they want to live with those of this world—with those who promote disobedience to God’s commands, with those who like to live like the devil. Those of this world will not love those who no longer want to live according to ways of this world. They will consider Jesus’ disciples as a threat to their plans, as a threat to their achieving the power, pleasure, or wealth that they seek no matter who they hurt, persecute, or kill.
Next, Jesus explained to His disciples why they (and His disciples since then) do not belong to the world, saying, “I have chosen you out of the world.” In Ephesians 2:8-10, Paul explained, “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life.” True disciples of Jesus do not boast, but they seek to do the good works that Jesus wants to be their way of life as His faithful disciples. As Jesus’ followers seek to do good works in a variety of loving and peaceful ways, they will naturally come in conflict with those who want to do bad works; that is, works contrary to the ways of God.
(John 15:20) “Remember the word that I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word, they will keep yours also.
Remember, in John 13:16-17, Jesus taught, “Very truly, I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. If you know these things, you are blessed if you do them.” Jesus’ followers are blessed when they follow Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life rather than follow the ways of the devil and this world. Because Jesus’ followers are no better than Jesus (though they keep trying to live like Jesus as their perfect example), they will be persecuted by those of this world. Those committed to the ways of this world will not obey the words of Jesus, the command to turn from their sins and believe the good news as given by Jesus in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” However, as Jesus certainly implied, some kept (obeyed) His word when He preached (certainly His true disciples did), and some would keep (obey) the word of truth when His disciples preached.
(John 15:21) “But all these things they will do to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know the One who sent Me.
Jesus did not want His disciples (and His disciples since then) to think that there was something wrong with them, some inadequacy, or some lack of divine provision that prevented the world from listening to them and keeping His (and their) word that drove the world to hate them and want to kill them. No. The world would persecute Jesus’ disciples, because it did not want the “name” (the moral and spiritual principles and power) of Jesus ruling over it. What Jesus’ disciples consider “good news” sounds like “bad news” to the world. Jesus’ message threatens the world’s power and preferred ways of living. However, speaking of the world’s religious leaders of the time and those who followed their teachings, Jesus said, “they do not know him who sent me.” They did not know the Father. Even today, those who hate Jesus and His followers do not know the Father, and they will not call God “Father.” The world does not truly know the Father or the Son.
(John 15:22) “If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
Jesus did come and speak to the religious leaders of the world and to the crowds. He did show and tell who He is—the Son of the Father. When they rejected Him, they were guilty of sin and had no excuse for not believing and believing in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior of the world. When people truly hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and refuse to accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they have no excuse for their disbelief. When they eventually meet God and Jesus, they will have no excuse for rejecting them.
(John 15:23) “He who hates Me hates My Father also.
Jesus said simply that those who hate Him also hate the Father. Those who rejected Jesus also rejected the Father, and the same is true today. We repulse what we hate, and those of this world find the teaching about Jesus and the Father as the Bible and the Spirit reveal them repulsive. Hatred is the opposite of love. So those of this world walk away from God, especially as they learn more about the true God, while the true disciples of Jesus walk increasingly closer to God as they learn more about the true God. Therefore, as the disciples of Jesus learn to love their neighbors and even their enemies and try to tell others the truth as Jesus commanded, those of this world turn against them and against the Father and the Son with increasing hatred—which can lead to persecution from those of this world in a variety of ways according to the culture of various nations and religions.
(John 15:24) “If I had not done among them the works which no one else did, they would not have sin; but now they have both seen and hated Me and My Father as well.
Jesus not only taught the truth about God, but Jesus also showed by His works of love that what He said was true and revealed the love the God. Jesus healed the sick, fed the hungry, healed the lame, restored sight to the blind, and raised the dead as acts of compassion. No one else before or after Jesus has been able to do all these things by only speaking words. God created the world by speaking, and Jesus, the Son of God, could create and recreate the world and do mighty works by only speaking. Jesus showed that He possessed the power of the loving Word of God to do good. Jesus did all these loving good works, but those of the world still hated the Father and Him. Even though they knew all the facts about the Father and Jesus, those of the world did not want anyone turning from them and their power over the world and turn to loving and obeying the commands of Jesus and His Father; therefore, they were guilty of sin.
(John 15:25) “But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘THEY HATED ME WITHOUT A CAUSE.’
Furthermore, those who rejected Jesus had no good reason to hate Him. Jesus never did anything bad, wrong, unloving, or unjust, but He refused to do what those of the world wanted Him to do. Jesus would only obey the commands of His Father, and His Father’s commands expressed their love for the world and the best way for people to live happily in the world. What the world did to Jesus was foretold in the Bible in Psalms 109:3, “They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause.” Consider how Psalms 109:2-5, actually describe and fulfill what Jesus suffered from those of the world: “For wicked and deceitful mouths are opened against me, speaking against me with lying tongues. They beset me with words of hate, and attack me without cause. In return for my love they accuse me, even while I make prayer for them. So they reward me evil for good, and hatred for my love.” Jesus’ disciples would (and will) also experience this type of hatred (consider the stoning of Stephen in the Book of Acts, Chapter 7).
(John 15:26) “When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,
In John chapter 16, Jesus will continue to teach His disciples about what they should expect in the future—events that did occur as Jesus foretold. But as we conclude John chapter 15, Jesus gave His true disciples (as those since) a promise and a command. First, Jesus reminded them of what He promised them in John 14:15-17, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments [He will give them a command in John 15:27]. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you forever. This is the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, because he abides with you, and he will be in you.” [Notice: Jesus will send the Spirit, who will come from the Father—the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son to disciples of Jesus.] Those of the world do not know the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit (the Advocate, the Spirit of truth). They hate the Father and Jesus. However, Jesus’ disciples love the Father and Jesus, and they will love the Holy Spirit after they receive Him and after He abides with them and in them. The Holy Spirit will testify and speak on behalf of Jesus, and He will do so through Jesus’ true disciples. In Matthew 10:19-20, Jesus promised His disciples, “When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you at that time; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.”
(John 15:27) and you will testify also, because you have been with Me from the beginning.”
The Holy Spirit will testify through disciples of Jesus when they obey Jesus and testify about Him. Jesus told His first disciples that they were to testify (as eye and ear witnesses in a court of law), because they had been with Him “from the beginning” of His ministry on earth, from the time He chose them and called them to follow Him. We find the truths they testified to in the Bible, and no one can testify about Jesus with the absolute and infallible authority of those who testified about Jesus in the Bible. Those who have become disciples since the crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus do so because of the work of the Holy Spirit as they learn truths from the Bible that they hear or read—passed on to them by the first faithful disciples of Jesus.
Belong to Jesus or Belong to the World
Sunday, January 27, 2021
John 15:18-27
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you (John 15:19—KJV). If you were of the world, the world would love its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, because of this the world hates you (John 15:19—NASB). 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 (John 15:19—NRSV).
Jesus told His true disciples—ones He had chosen out of the world—some sobering facts that will help all His faithful followers around the world. First, remember that Jesus still chooses His followers out of the world to become His loving friends and devoted disciples. Second, remember that Jesus’ true disciples do not belong to the world—they belong to Jesus—therefore the world hates them. Third, to understand the world in which they live, the followers of Jesus must remember that the world still hates and persecutes Jesus’ followers. Why the hatred? Jesus said that those who persecute His followers do not know the Father who sent Him into the world. Even worse, Jesus said they hate the Father and Him. Those of this world saw, heard, and without cause crucified Jesus because they hated the Father, Jesus, and His disciples. If we understand these facts, then we will know some of the reasons those of this world believe and act as they do. Fourth, those who think, speak, and act as Jesus and His first disciples acted should expect the same reaction of hatred from the world. They will be hated by the world because the chosen followers of Jesus do not belong to this world. Fifth, remember if you follow Jesus, it is because Jesus chose you and sent the Spirit of Truth to live within you, so you could be a good witness for the Him whenever you tell others about Him— some will listen, believe, and love Him.
Thinking Further
Belong to Jesus or Belong to the World
Sunday, January 27, 2021
John 15:18-27
Name _________________________________
1. The world hated Jesus before it hated His disciples. Does the world still hate Jesus and His disciples? Give one reason why you think as you do.
2. What must you do for the world to love you as its own?
3. In what ways are or can Christians be persecuted where you live today?
4. What reason or reasons did Jesus give for the persecution of Christians?
5. When someone hates Jesus who else do they hate? What word in the law did and do these haters fulfill?
Discussion and Thinking Further
1. The world hated Jesus before it hated His disciples. Does the world still hate Jesus and His disciples? Give one reason why you think as you do. Yes. Jesus has chosen us out of the world to live differently from the world.
2. What must you do for the world to love you as its own? I must belong to the world and live like the world and approve what the world does and the way people of the world live without complaining.
3. In what ways are or can Christians be persecuted where you live today? They can lose their jobs. They can be cursed and accused of things they have not said or done. They can be shunned or driven out of a church.
4. What reason or reasons did Jesus give for the persecution of Christians? They persecute Christians on account of Jesus’ name: He is Lord and Savior, and because they do not know God the Father.
5. When someone hates Jesus who else do they hate? What word in the law did and do these haters fulfill? They also hate God the Father. “They hated me without cause.” Jesus never said or did anything that would justify someone hating Him. He only did good and loving things.
Word Search
Belong to Jesus or Belong to the World
Sunday, January 27, 2021
John 15:18-27
Name ____________________________________
A E G L U G Y N W O B U H Z R
M H Z B W B S Z B M Y L V E H
E R K U O A R D J N U J B T J
W D O Y R D B X R A T M Q N O
A Y P A K V N E G O E U P R T
Z F N E S O H C L M W E B E Y
I V G T M C G K E O R V S T E
G E D Z S A V R L S N T E R B
W S X T U T H S E Z I G A Q S
I U H N S E K C E F O W E W C
Y C D O E Z U A Y T A N J D F
D X P U J T I W N W A Z Q S V
O E T F E W O R L D S H X F M
J Y V D L L I F L U F L N I S
G L H M Q O Q S P G K U T A R
World
Hates
You
Aware
Belonged
Chosen
Remember
Persecuted
Word
Works
Excuse
Sin
Fulfill
Advocate
Testify
True and False Test
Belong to Jesus or Belong to the World
Sunday, January 27, 2021
John 15:18-27
Name ____________________________________
Circle the True or False answers. Correct the False statements by restating them.
1. Since Jesus’ disciples were Galileans, the world hated them. True or False
2. The world loves those who belong to the world. True or False
3. Jesus chose and chooses His followers out of the world, and the world hates His followers. True or False
4. Those who persecute Christians do not know God the Father who sent Jesus into the world. True or False
5. Even though they will not keep Jesus’ word, if Christians are sincere, the world will do the right things Christians recommend. True or False
6. Whoever hates Jesus also hates His Father. True or False
7. When Christians sin, they have many good excuses for doing so.
True or False
8. Jesus gave those who persecuted Him and His disciples good reasons to do so. True or False
9. Many of those who persecute Christians respect Jesus’ name as Lord and Savior of the world. True or False
10. Those who saw Jesus’ works and still hated Jesus and His Father sinned without excuse. True or False
True and False Test Answers
- False
- True
- True
- True
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- True
Prayer
Father, we thank You for the prophetic voices You have given to Your people. We thank You for the examples of Anna, the Pentecost women, and the daughters of Philip as faithful people who served You. May we be as faithful! We pray in the name of Jesus, in whom we are one. Amen.