Tag Archives: John

John 19- Burial of Christ

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And after this Joseph of Arimathaea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, besought Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus: and Pilate gave him leave. He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus. And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight John 19:-38-39

The burial of Christ is obviously an event we don’t usually like to talk about, but its an important event? Why? Because without death and the tomb, it couldn’t be defeated. Jesus had to taste death, so we wouldn’t have to. Now you might say, well Christians die anyone! As the Apostle Paul stated “To be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord”(2 Corinthians 5:8) We live for an eternal hope not a temporal one

Notice the two men who were part of Jesus burial, Joseph of Arimathaea and Nicodemus. These two men were Religious Leaders, Joseph was a Sanhedrin and Nicodemus was a Pharisee. Evidence that Jesus converted many Jews during his ministry including Religious Leaders. 

We remember Nicodemus mostly for his interaction with Jesus in John Chapter 3, its clear here that Nicodemus to become “Born Again” as he risked his life to prepare Christ body for burial

Then took they the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes with the spices, as the manner of the Jews is to bury. Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden; and in the garden a new sepulchre, wherein was never man yet laid. There laid they Jesus therefore because of the Jews’ preparation day; for the sepulchre was nigh at hand. John 19: 40-42

The fact that Jesus body was placed in the tomb was important for several reasons, first he fulfilled the prophecy of the Messiah (Isaiah 53:9) Even though Jesus is the sinless Son of God, he was buried with the criminals. However its also important that Jesus body was laid in a tomb to protect his body before He is Risen on the 3rd day

Often when people were crucified by the Romans, there bodies were discarded and fed to the wild animals, but because of Joseph of Arimathaea, the body of The Lord was preserved until that blessed Sunday morning

Another reason the Tomb is important is because its the evidence of Christ. The skeptics will say either Jesus didn’t exist or he didn’t die on the cross. The fact remains “The tomb was Empty” The Lord has Risen just as he said he would! There is nothing anyone can do to refute this evidence! He is Risen He is Risen Indeed Amen!

John 19- It Is Finished

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After this, Jesus knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, saith, I thirst Now there was set a vessel full of vinegar: and they filled a spunge with vinegar, and put it upon hyssop, and put it to his mouth. When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost John 19:28-30

The darkest day in human history also became the greatest day in human history. As Jesus paid the penalty for our sins, the debt has been paid in full. It’s hard for us to comprehend how and why Jesus did this, but when you understand the state of our depravity and the Passover Lamb, it makes perfect sense

While Jesus was on the cross, he proclaimed probably one of the most powerful statements in human history “It Is Finished” meaning the debt for our sin has been paid, meaning we through Christ are now reconciled back to the Father, meaning the Veil has now been torn and we can now be in the presence of God because of Christ. A proclamation and affirmation that defeated sin and death forever!

The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, that the bodies should not remain upon the cross on the sabbath day, (for that sabbath day was an high day,) besought Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. Then came the soldiers, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other which was crucified with him.But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: John 19:31-33

Its “Church Tradition” that Jesus died on Friday, now known as “Good or Holy Friday”. The scriptures support this, notice it says it was “Preparation Day” meaning Friday. The day of preparation before the Sabbath (Saturday). Church tradition is correct, Jesus died on Friday and rose on Sunday morning. 

Also notice not one bone was broken on Christ, just as fulfilled in prophecy (Psalm 34:20)

But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. And he that saw it bare record, and his record is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye might believe.For these things were done, that the scripture should be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. John 19:34-36

What happened here was not only another fulfilment of prophecy but also a symbolic representation of who Jesus is and what his fulfillment on the cross meant. The blood and the water, symbolic of the Triunity of God (1 John 5:7) also a clear fulfillment of Zechariah 12:10 “The One they have pierced , God will pour out his grace and mercy on them”

The Lamb of God who took away the sin of the world, Thank you Jesus Amen!

John 19- Crucifixion of Christ

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Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified. And they took Jesus, and led him away. And he bearing his cross went forth into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew Golgotha:Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst. And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS. John 19:16-19

The time has come for the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world! Pilate ordered Jesus to be crucified after submitting to the pressure of the religious leaders. Not only was Jesus crucified, he was also flogged and made to carry his own cross about a mile up the hill , to what we call Calvary today. Jesus commands us to “Carry our Crosses daily” , he literally carried his cross to give us eternal life

Notice Pilate, mockingly , nailed a sign on the cross that stated “King of the Jews”. However Pilate is actually fulfilling prophecy, rightfully declaring Jesus as King, and also sacrificing the Lamb of God, to pay the wages for our sins!

This title then read many of the Jews: for the place where Jesus was crucified was nigh to the city: and it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin. Then said the chief priests of the Jews to Pilate, Write not, The King of the Jews; but that he said, I am King of the Jews.Pilate answered, What I have written I have written.  John 19:20-22

The Jewish religious leaders thought they have committed the “Perfect Crime” however it all backfired, as the sign was permanently nailed to the cross! Israel has crucified their King, Israel has crucified the Messiah, and the judgement for this will be catastrophic for the nation

Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. They said therefore among themselves, Let us not rend it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be: that the scripture might be fulfilled, which saith, They parted my raiment among them, and for my vesture they did cast lots. These things therefore the soldiers did. John 19:23-24

More prophecy is fulfilled from Psalm 22, as the Romans soldiers “casted lots” to steal the clothing from Jesus. The mockery and wickedness displayed to Jesus, the Son of God, shows you the evilness and depravity of this world

Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home. John 19:25-27

One of the saddest moments, when Jesus says goodbye to his Mother Mary. Notice the woman , including his mother, never left Jesus side, even at the cross. The only male disciple that stayed was John. All the other disciples ran for the hills to save their own lives.

Jesus words “Woman Behold Thy Son” is a demonstration of the love Jesus and his Mother shared, a true love just as any mother and child would have. Then Jesus made sure his Mother was taken care of before he died, his disciple John took Mary as his own family. 

All of this was done to pay the debt for our sins, when you understand this, you understand the love that Jesus has for us all Amen!

John 19- The Authority of Christ

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The Jews answered him, We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God. When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was the more afraid; And went again into the judgment hall, and saith unto Jesus, Whence art thou? But Jesus gave him no answer. John 19:7-9

The religious leaders were looking for Pilate to do their dirty work for them. They kept shouting “Crucify Him” to Pilate, and he asked them “What did this man do” ? The Pharisees were so depraved they wanted to kill Jesus because he is the Son of God!

Notice Pilate himself was afraid of what they were about to do, he was a wicked man and yet still had some fear of God. The Pharisees had no fear of God, they puffed themselves up so much they believed they were gods. 

Then saith Pilate unto him, Speakest thou not unto me? knowest thou not that I have power to crucify thee, and have power to release thee? Jesus answered, Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above: therefore he that delivered me unto thee hath the greater sin. And from thenceforth Pilate sought to release him: but the Jews cried out, saying, If thou let this man go, thou art not Caesar’s friend: whosoever maketh himself a king speaketh against Caesar. John 19:10-12

Pilate tried to threaten Jesus “Do you know who I am”, ?“Do you know the power I possess”? This might sound like us these days, people believe they have so much power and importance, we are just a vapor in the wind, a speck of dust

Jesus replied “You have no authority over me except it was given by God” We need to understand and realize , Jesus willingly gave up his life to pay the ransom for our sins. Once you understand this, you understand the amazing love Christ has demonstrated on the cross! Pilate was starting to realize this and wanted to release Jesus, but he gave in to his fear of losing favor with people. Someday you have to make a choice please God or please Man!

When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King! But they cried out, Away with him, away with him, crucify him. Pilate saith unto them, Shall I crucify your King? The chief priests answered, We have no king but Caesar. John 19:13-15

Pilate did not realize he was actually fulfilling prophecy by having Jesus executed and also proclaiming Jesus as King. Even though Pilate meant this with sarcasm , he rightfully professed Jesus as The King and also nailed the title to the cross Everyone in the crowd at this time was yelling “ Crucify Him”! Before we became saved , we were in this crowd also, yet Jesus still loved us anyway! Amazing Love!

It’s no surprise why Israel came under the judgement of God in 70 A.D. having the Messiah crucified. Yet remember this, all power and authority belongs to Jesus, and he laid down his life willingly to save yours! Amen!

John 18- What Is Truth?

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Pilate then went out unto them, and said, What accusation bring ye against this man? They answered and said unto him, If he were not a malefactor, we would not have delivered him up unto thee.Then said Pilate unto them, Take ye him, and judge him according to your law. The Jews therefore said unto him, It is not lawful for us to put any man to death: That the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled, which he spake, signifying what death he should die. John 18:29-32

In one of the most wicked and blasphemous moments in history, the religious leaders were trying to use God’s Law to kill the Son of God! Can you imagine this? The depravity of mankind, trying to use God’s own words to kill his Son. This is the depravity that the nation of Israel has succumbed to. 

Notice even a Pagan evil man like Pilate recognizes their deception as he says “Judge Him according to your Law (Torah)” Pilate knows the deception they are trying to pull here, as the religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate for him to do their dirty work. But as it says all this had to happen so “The sayings of Jesus might be fulfilled”

Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again, and called Jesus, and said unto him, Art thou the King of the Jews? Jesus answered him, Sayest thou this thing of thyself, or did others tell it thee of me? Pilate answered, Am I a Jew? Thine own nation and the chief priests have delivered thee unto me: what hast thou done? John 18: 33-35

Jesus then has an interesting conversation with Pilate, he asks “Are you the King of the Jews”? Notice Jesus’ response, he says “Are you asking or did others tell you that” Jesus wants to know what Pilate believes in his heart, imagine the mercy Jesus is showing the wicked ruler who is about to crucify him. 

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice. John 18:36-37

Jesus goes on to make some big revelations here, first  he states “My Kingdom is not of this world” We must understand and remember this, not to get to involved in this current and temporary world as its not Gods Kindgom (Romans 12:2)

Jesus reveals He is the King of Kings and he came into this world to reveal truth and salvation to all mankind

Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber. John 18:38-40

Pilate tries to be witty and responds to Jesus “What Is Truth”? Atheists today try to use the same response , as if relative truth doesn’t exist. Its clear Pilate has rejected Christ, and what is about to happen is the greatest act of evil in human history. However Jesus used this act to bring salvation to the entire world

The depravity of humanity is on full display, as the people choose to release a criminal over the Son of God. The fact is we are all Barabbas, Jesus has taken our place on the cross to pay our debt of sin Amen!

John 18- Garden of Gethsemane

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When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples. And Judas also, which betrayed him, knew the place: for Jesus ofttimes resorted thither with his disciples. Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, cometh thither with lanterns and torches and weapons. John 18:1-3

The time has come for the Son of God to be betrayed and fulfill the prophecy of being the Lamb of God. Jesus and his disciples are praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, according to the scripture, Jesus went here often to pray to the Father.  Judas knew exactly where Jesus was going to be, because he was his disciple for over 3 years

Judas led the evil men right to Christ, selling his own soul for 30 pieces of silver. What are you selling Christ out for? What pleasures of this world do you put ahead of your Lord and Savior?

Jesus therefore, knowing all things that should come upon him, went forth, and said unto them, Whom seek ye? They answered him, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus saith unto them, I am he. And Judas also, which betrayed him, stood with them. As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground. John 18:4-6

This is one of my favorite moments of the Bible, when the officers asked “Where is Jesus”, He answered “I AM He” and immediately they all fell down to the ground. Notice the reference he makes as the Great I AM, which he made the 7 I AM statements throughout the gospel of John

But also reminds me of Philippians 2, “Every knee will bow and tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord” , all these men who came to kill Christ, fell down when He revealed who He was to them. One day every knee will bow down to Jesus, including Atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, even if you reject Jesus he is your King and Lord!

Then asked he them again, Whom seek ye? And they said, Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus answered, I have told you that I am he: if therefore ye seek me, let these go their way:That the saying might be fulfilled, which he spake, Of them which thou gavest me have I lost none. John 18:7-9

The time has come for the prophecy to be fulfilled , the Son of God has now become the Lamb of God to be the perfect sacrifice for the sin of the world. Jesus willingly laid down his life for us, because He loves us! There is no greater love than this!

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and bound him,  John 18:10-12

Peter, not understanding that scripture was being fulfilled, attacked the servant Malchus with his sword and cut off his ear. Think about this, even though this man came to kill Jesus, Christ healed his wound. The love and compassion Jesus has and demonstrated is beyond our comprehension

Jesus told Peter to put away his sword because Christ was going to drink from the cup The Father has given him.  What is this cup? It’s the cup of God’s wrath for the sin of the world, only Jesus could drink from this cup because Jesus is the only sinless Lamb of God Amen!

John 17- The Prayers of Jesus – Part 3

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Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. John 17:20-23

Today we look at the 3rd and final prayer by Jesus in this chapter, this prayer is for all Christians including You! As Jesus states “For them which shall believe on Me”, so this prayer is for the Born Again Believers in Christ. Isn’t it comforting knowing that The Lord is actually praying for you!

Jesus’ prayer is about unity in God, as Jesus is one with the Father, we are to be One with Christ and the world may know Jesus through us. The Triunity of God is still perplexing to us, then add that we the Church are also the Body of Christ and one with God, yet we are all separate people. Its a beautiful mystery that has been pondered for centuries

Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:24-26

Jesus is praying that we follow Gods Will, Jesus wants “Those who God has given him” to be with Him where he is, where is that? I believe it’s wherever Jesus may be now, we may be with him at that moment. RIght now Christ is in Heaven but eventually will come back to reestablish God’s Kingdom. We will be with him at all times, as his sheep

Jesus prays that Gods love is inside of us, we can’t be the Light and the Salt if we are filled with darkness. We know this world is evil, and its difficult many days to even socialize with people, but we need to be the Salt and Light as Jesus commanded, hiding under a basket does the Light no good

O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name, and will declare it: that the love wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them. John 17:25-26

We are the Body of Christ and Jesus is living inside of us, we need to be his hands and feet in this world. I know it sounds cliche but we need to do more as Christians, stop arguing on social media and get off the couch!  

John 17- Prayers of Jesus Part 1

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These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him. John 17:1-2

In this Chapter we see Jesus prayed 3 distinct prayers, the first one was for himself that God may be glorified by the works performed by Christ. The second prayer was for the Apostles and the third prayer was for all believers

Notice God has given Jesus power over everyone and eternal life is only possible through Christ. The question for you is Jesus glorified in everything you do? Everything Jesus went through, from the manger, to the persecution, to the cross, to the tomb, was to glorify the Son of God. Everything that we say and do should be to glorify Jesus Christ!

And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. I have glorified thee on the earth: I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do. John 17:3-4

Why did Jesus come to Earth to do the things he did? Christ came to finish the works required to give us eternal life. Jesus became our Passover Lamb, Jesus became the ransom for our sin, and Jesus defeated sin and death forever!

Jesus provided the Way for salvation, not just for Israel but also the world who receives him. Jesus said “That they might know the only true God” without Christ we could never know the true God. 

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was. John 17:5

Jesus was and is the Son of God before the world even existed. Christ didnt begin at the Manger in Bethlehem, Jesus is eternal and came down to Earth in human form to save us from our sins!

Even though Jesus lives among us, the world didn’t even recognize him, to the point the world killed the Son of God. If this doesn’t demonstrate the depravity of mankind, then your blind

In all you do, glorify our Lord Jesus Christ, which every knee will bow in Heaven, and Earth , and In Hell Amen!

John 16- The Holy Spirit Part 2

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But now I go my way to him that sent me; and none of you asketh me, Whither goest thou? But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. John 16:5-7

Again we see Jesus foretelling about the coming of the Holy Spirit. And again we see the same word in Greek “Parakletos” to describe the Holy Spirit , meaning Counselor, Advocate, Helper, and Comforter. English just doesn’t do the Holy Spirit justice in trying to describe him, as he is very complex and fulfills many roles

As Jesus says “Sorrow has filled our hearts” when Christ left to ascend into Heaven. Everyday we wait for the Lord is difficult , however Jesus needed to go so the Holy Spirit could come!

And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:8-11

Here we see another role for the Holy Spirit, the convictor of Sin! What drives a person to repent of their sin? Its the Holy Spirit, if you ever question if the Holy Spirit is inside of you, if you repented of your sin with Godly Sorrow, the Holy Spirit is within you!

The prince of this world is judged, who is that? Its Satan, he is judged and will be thrown in the Lake of Fire at the final judgement day! The victory is ours in Jesus Christ!

I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. John 16:12-14

The Holy Spirit is also The Spirit of Truth! The Holy Spirit will guide you in all truth, there is much deception in this world , be led by the Spirit of Truth, don’t be misled by sinful humans

Another important job of the Holy Spirit is to glorify Christ! The Holy Spirit will lead you to Christ and teach you his ways. Without the Holy Spirit there is no true conviction of sin, without the Holy Spirit there is no baptism of Fire

The Spirit of Truth will lead you to Jesus, the Holy Spirit will lead you in truth, The Holy Spirit will lead you to true repentance , Come Holy Spirit! Amen!

John 15- Hated For Christ

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If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. 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 15:18-19

One of the great mistakes of the Church is trying to be loved and accepted by the world. This is actually in total contradiction to Jesus’ teachings. Why? Because Satan is the ruler of this world (1 John 5:19) Many “Churches” today are trying to blend in with the world or change their doctrine to appease the world, this is not true Christianity

Why would we expect to be accepted in the same world that murdered our Lord? This is a paraphrase from the late theologian Leonard Ravenhill. But think about , they murdered Christ, and you expect to be loved and accepted with open arms? They hated Jesus and they will hate you also, if your a true follower of Christ

A false Church that will say anything to be accepted by the world, what good is it? Just as Jesus said “What good is salt that lost its flavor”? (Matthew 5) A false Church that is sending everyone to everlasting Hell is good for nothing

Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin. John 15:20-22

You will be persecuted as a Christian because the world hates Christ. You don’t believe me? Try speaking about Jesus in public school or your public workplace, find out how quickly people are resistant to the gospel message.

The sad truth is most Christians don’t say anything that’s why they are not persecuted. Jesus said “To make disciples of all the Nations” (Matthew 28:19) Yet most Christians never share the gospel with anyone. 

 He that hateth me hateth my Father also. If I had not done among them the works which none other man did, they had not had sin: but now have they both seen and hated both me and my Father.But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause.  John 15:23-25

Why does the world hate Jesus? Because the world hates God, why? Because the world loves their sin. Everyone loves Jesus until they realize you must repent and become Born Again, then the world despises Jesus

Don’t conform to the ways of the world, be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2) The world is not your friend, the world is not your home, become Set Apart in Christ Amen!