The World’s Hatred on Trial

John 15:18-16:4a (Reference: 1 John 3:13-16)

What Does Jesus Mean by “Hatred”?

So far in our study of the Upper Room Discourse (ch. 13-17), Jesus’ words have been encouraging and enlightening to the disciples. Having begun the happy, celebratory occasion of the Passover meal with shocking words of rebuke for their pride, His imminent departure, Judas’ betrayal, Peter’s denial, and warning that they would all desert Him, He moves to words of love, peace, joy, and hope in what God has in store eventually for them. He does this in a loving response to the deep distress they were feeling. These positive, hopeful words last for 1 1⁄2 chapters (14:1-15:17), but now He must return to more distressing news in the remaining 1 1⁄2 chapters (15:18-16:33) as He warns them about the trouble on the horizon ...