Not Greater Than Our Master
May 24, 2025 - Saturday of the Fifth Week of Easter
John 15:18–21
Let’s be real: following Jesus isn’t always popular.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus says something direct and maybe a little uncomfortable: “If the world hates you, remember it hated me first.” That’s tough to hear, but it’s also freeing—because Jesus is saying, You’re not alone. This is part of the path.
But what does Jesus mean by “the world”? In one place, John’s Gospel says, “God so loved the world...” and now Jesus says, “The world will hate you.” So which is it?
Well, it’s both.
“The world” in the Bible can mean humanity—the people God created and loves. But sometimes it means the systems, values, and ways of thinking that push God away. The world loves power over humility, self-promotion over sacrifice, pleasure over purity. So when someone like Jesus comes along—teaching love, truth, forgiveness, and obedience—it threatens that mindset. And the world reacts.
The same thing happens with His followers.
When you start living differently—when you walk away from gossip, call out injustice, forgive instead of hold a grudge, or say “no” to things that don’t reflect Christ—some people won’t get it. They might even mock you, push you out, or call you judgmental just for not joining in. That hurts. But Jesus tells us: “You are not of the world.” Not anymore.
Jesus chose His disciples. He pulled them out of a life where they just blended in—and gave them a mission. Through baptism, they were “born from above.” That’s you too. If you belong to Jesus, your identity is deeper than your social circle, your feed, or your reputation. You’re in the world, but you’re not of it.
And here’s the thing: the change in you won’t go unnoticed. The world sees that something is different—and deep down, it sees Jesus behind it. That’s why sometimes the world’s reaction is anger, rejection, or confusion. But it’s not really about you. It’s about Him.
Jesus also reminds us: “No servant is greater than the master.” If they misunderstood, mocked, or rejected Jesus, we shouldn’t be surprised when it happens to us too. But if they listened to His word, they’ll listen to ours as well.
This doesn’t mean we should walk around being defensive or afraid. It means we stay strong in love. It means we keep showing the kindness, justice, and goodness of God—no matter what the world throws back at us. Because that’s how people will really see God.
So when it gets hard—when you feel alone, misunderstood, or different—remember this:
Jesus went first.
He gets it.
He’s with you.
And He calls you friend.
Keep walking with Him. It’s not the easy path. But it’s the one that leads to life.