What Jesus Did! 'Hostility from the World' — John 15:18-20

Saturday, October 10, 2026

[Jesus continued,] "If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you. Do you remember what I told you? 'A slave is not greater than the master.' Since they persecuted me, naturally they will persecute you. And if they had listened to me, they would listen to you."
— John 15:18-20 NLT

Key Thought

Hate! We don't like that word, do we? Especially when we are the target of hate. Yet those who are disciples of Jesus must realize that their hero was unjustly murdered by those who rejected him because of jealousy, hate, misunderstanding, and rivalry. Some of us will follow in his steps by being persecuted. Some, even to martyrdom itself. Our hardships and difficulties do not invalidate Jesus' call. Neither do they invalidate our ministry. These problems are reminders that there is a spiritual battle for every human heart. [1] Satan will do all he can to silence our voices when we are the ones who bring God's salvation.

[1] Ephesians 6:11-12.

Today's Prayer

Father, please make me more aware of your servants who are facing persecution and hardship today. Give me the courage to stand for your truth and live your ethics even if those values cost me ridicule or rejection. Please, may my life bring you glory and praise, whether I find myself in hardship and persecution or in good times and acceptance. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

6 Related Resources by Heartlight

The World Hated Jesus, First
Devo: Spiritual Warfare
"If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part...."
Spurgeon AM Devo for Oct. 28th
Devo: Morning & Evening
"Here is distinguishing grace and discriminating regard; for some are made the special objects of divine affection. Do not be afraid to dwell upon this..."
Despised?
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Disciple, During My earthly ministry, I warned My disciples that following Me would not be easy. The words you read in the verses below were..."
In the Center of My Will
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Follower of the Way, The growth of My Kingdom will not necessarily be an easy undertaking. Spreading the good news of the Father's grace is..."
See All 6 Related Resources about John 15:18-20

Illustration

Illustration of John 15:18-20 NLT — The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Saturday, October 10, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'A Complete U-Turn!' (Acts 7:57-58)
"[When Stephen told the Jewish leaders that he saw the Son of Man at God's right hand,] they put their hands over their ears and began shouting. They...."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
1 Corinthians 15:20-22
"Christ has indeed been raised, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also..."
Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Balance' (1 Co. 11:2-16)
"Dear Father, God of the present and the future, but also of the past, Make me willing to consider and accept new things. But also help me to respect...."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Proverbs 19:1
"Better a poor man whose walk is blameless than a fool whose lips are perverse."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!