The Gospel of John: John 15.18-27

Read and meditate on John 15.25.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus was conscious of fulfilling Old Testament types and prophesies. He not only recognized them as they came about – as in this instance – but He managed His time to fulfill what the Word of God declared. Sounds like something we should emulate.

                                             ²⁵“But this, you see,
has happened to fulfill the word which was
recorded in their Law, ‘Without a cause
they hated Me.’”

- John 15.25

Reflect
1.  All the gospel writers make a point of showing ways that Jesus fulfilled Old Testament types and prophecies. How many examples of this can you cite? Why was it so important for them to do this? Complete this prayer: Lord, You have said that all Scripture testifies of You (Jn. 5.39), so as I’m reading the Word…

2.  Besides those instances you noted in question 1, what other Old Testament references to Jesus – types, symbols, or prophesies – come to mind? Jesus bolstered His claims and work by referring to such Old Testament references. How can doing so help us in our witness for Christ? Your Word is sure and true, Lord, as I see in…

3.  Suppose you had to construct a presentation of the Gospel using only Old Testament texts. Why might it be a good idea to do this? Briefly outline your version of such a presentation. Help me to see You in all Scripture, Lord, so that I…

4.  Jesus cited the Scriptures as validation for His claims and ministry. He was continuously conscious of the teaching of Scripture, so that He commented on situations, such as this, and organized His life to carry out whatever was written about Him in the Word of God. Meditate on 1 Corinthians 2.16. Since we have the mind of Christ, how should we think about the way we conduct our lives? What does that entail? Let Your mind work in me, Lord, and help me so to live that…

5. It was in the plan of God for Jesus that many would hate Him because of what He spoke and the works He did. Jesus accepted this as God’s plan, and did not try to avoid the hatred of others. How does His example and teaching counsel us with respect to the hatred others might have for us? How can we prepare for this each day? Bring together into one your prayers from questions 1-4.

Summary
“Here our Lord clearly shows that he is not unaware of the stubborn temper of the Jews but rather, he had foretold and knew in advance how they would respond. However, he still treated them with mildness and forgiveness as was befitting his divine nature. For he set before them the Word that called them to salvation even though they were ill disposed to receive it. And if any of them did have a good and suitable disposition, he even confirmed their faith by miracles. Here too he gives his disciples considerable benefit, with the goal that in a forgiving spirit they might extend the preaching of salvation even to those who offered them insults and might even in this be seen to walk in the path of excellence which was first revealed in Christ.” Cyril of Alexandria (375-444 AD)

The more we know of Scripture, and the more clearly and consistently we see Jesus throughout God’s Word, the more confidence we will have to live for Jesus in every area of our lives. As Jesus was continuously conscious of the teaching of God’s Word, so we must strive to be. What counsel would you offer a new believer in this matter?

Closing Prayer
Trust in the LORD, and do good;
Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.
Delight yourself also in the LORD,
And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD,
Trust also in Him,
And He shall bring it to pass.
He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light,
And your justice as the noonday.

Psalm 37.3-6

Psalm 37.1-6 (Neumark: If Thou but Suffer God to Guide Thee)
Let not the wicked make you worry;
Envy not those who break God’s Word.
Like dying grass will they be sorry,
And fade like every dying herb.
Trust in the Lord and do His will;
Dwell in His grace, be faithful still.

Delight yourself in God’s salvation;
He’ll give you all your heart’s desire.
Commit to Him your every station,
And His good purpose will transpire.
Your righteousness a blazing light
He will bring forth against the night.

T. M. Moore

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All psalms for singing adapted from The Ailbe Psalter. All quotations from Church Fathers from Ancient Christian Commentary Series IV a and b: John, edited by Joel C. Elowsky, General Editor Thomas C. Oden (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 2006. Verse translation of John by T. M. Moore.