What Jesus Did! 'Hating the Father' — John 15:21-25

Sunday, October 11, 2026

[Jesus continued, "The world will hate and persecute] you because of me, for they have rejected the one who sent me. They would not be guilty if I had not come and spoken to them. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Anyone who hates me also hates my Father. If I hadn't done such miraculous signs among them that no one else could do, they would not be guilty. But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father. This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: 'They hated me without cause.'"
— John 15:21-25 NLT

Key Thought

When Jesus' disciples today face rejection, persecution, hardship, and hatred because of their faith, they need to know that they are not alone. Jesus also faced these things. Other Christians before them have faced these things. That rejection, whether today or in years past, is not the rejection of the disciple, but the rejection of God. Jesus' disciples never face hardship alone. They are surrounded by a huge cloud of witnesses testifying that it is worth every effort and hardship to endure to the end. They are accompanied by a God who lives inside them by his Spirit and promises never to leave them or forsake them. Jesus' disciples must not take their persecution and mistreatment personally; they're not being rejected, but God and his will and his grace are being rejected. As Jesus' disciples, we need to be faithful, and we will find the victory crown of life that awaits us!

Today's Prayer

Give me courage, dear Father, so that I will always live passionately and faithfully for you and your Kingdom. Give me the strength never to compromise my faith, my integrity, or my morals when facing hardship, scrutiny, or mistreatment. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

1 Related Resource by Heartlight

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..."

Illustration

Illustration of John 15:21-25 NLT — But as it is, they have seen everything I did, yet they still hate me and my Father.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, October 11, 2026

Unstoppable!
A one-year devotional guide through the book of Acts.
'Chosen for God's Purposes' (Acts 13:16-20)
"So Paul stood, lifted his hand to quiet [the people in the synagogue], and started speaking. "Men of Israel," he said, "and you God-fearing Gentiles,..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Morning Thought: Exodus 14:13
"These words contain God's command to the believer when he is reduced to great straits and brought into extraordinary difficulties. He cannot retreat;...."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Satan Will Be Punished Forever' (Re. 20:9-10)
"And Satan’s army marched across the earth and gathered around the camp of God’s people and the city God loves. But fire came down from heaven and..."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by A. W. Tozer:
"God did not write a book and send it by messenger to be read at a distance by unaided minds. He spoke a Book and lives in His spoken words, constantly speaking...."

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!