Palmcroft Church
John 15:12–27 • Persecuted Friends of God
Week 37 in a series on the book of John.
Locations & Times
Phoenix
15825 N 35th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85053, USA
Sunday 9:00 AM
Sunday 10:45 AM
Vs. 12–17
• Jesus' statement in verse 13 made a huge impact on John.
- See 1 John 3:16
• Friends of God in the Old Testament
- Abraham
~ Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23
- Moses
~ Exodus 33:11
• Slaves or Friends
- What’s the difference between slaves and friends?
~ Jesus claims that friends are let in on the plan.
~ This is what God had done with Abraham and Moses.
~ Jesus was disclosing to the 11 disciples His plan for salvation: death, burial, and resurrection.
~ Friends have a deeper degree of intimacy than slaves.
~ 1 Peter 1:10–12 tells us that Jesus revealed to the disciples His plan, and that the prophets didn’t even know all of the details.
• Fruit that Remains
- The Greek word “Remains” is “Meno,” the same word used for “Abide.”
- Do these 11 disciples have fruit that Abides/Remains?
~ Yes, if you are a believer in Jesus, you are the fruit!
- We get to join in the mission that Jesus started. He allows us to take part in what He is doing.
Vs. 18–21
• To be a friend of Jesus, will bring hatred from the world.
- Persecution and Martyrdom are common throughout the history of Christianity.
~ Examples
• Perpetua, martyred on March 7, A.D 201 in Carthage, Africa.
• 89 Christians martyred on September 8, A.D. 2025 in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Why are we so averse to persecution, suffering, and martyrdom?
~ If we are living for Jesus, we shouldn’t be surprised by persecution.
• What did Jesus’ followers say about persecution and suffering?
- 1 John 3:13
- 1 Peter 4:12–14
- James 1:2–4
- Hebrews 11:37–38
Vs. 22–25
• The World Hates Jesus
- Jesus’ message confronted people with the reality of their sin, and their need for help, for a Savior.
- Because the Father sent Jesus to do this work, hating Jesus is equal to hating the Father.
- The miracles/signs Jesus did were not enough for some people to humble themselves and admit He was the Messiah.
- The hatred of the Jews toward Jesus fulfills what was written in their own Law (Psalm 35:19, 69:4).
Vs. 26–27
• The Spirit and Disciples Testify
- The Holy Spirit would be sent to testify about Jesus’ identity.
- The 11 Disciples need to also testify about who Jesus is, since they had been with Him from the beginning of His ministry.
~ 1 John 1:1–4
• Jesus' statement in verse 13 made a huge impact on John.
- See 1 John 3:16
• Friends of God in the Old Testament
- Abraham
~ Isaiah 41:8, James 2:23
- Moses
~ Exodus 33:11
• Slaves or Friends
- What’s the difference between slaves and friends?
~ Jesus claims that friends are let in on the plan.
~ This is what God had done with Abraham and Moses.
~ Jesus was disclosing to the 11 disciples His plan for salvation: death, burial, and resurrection.
~ Friends have a deeper degree of intimacy than slaves.
~ 1 Peter 1:10–12 tells us that Jesus revealed to the disciples His plan, and that the prophets didn’t even know all of the details.
• Fruit that Remains
- The Greek word “Remains” is “Meno,” the same word used for “Abide.”
- Do these 11 disciples have fruit that Abides/Remains?
~ Yes, if you are a believer in Jesus, you are the fruit!
- We get to join in the mission that Jesus started. He allows us to take part in what He is doing.
Vs. 18–21
• To be a friend of Jesus, will bring hatred from the world.
- Persecution and Martyrdom are common throughout the history of Christianity.
~ Examples
• Perpetua, martyred on March 7, A.D 201 in Carthage, Africa.
• 89 Christians martyred on September 8, A.D. 2025 in Democratic Republic of the Congo.
- Why are we so averse to persecution, suffering, and martyrdom?
~ If we are living for Jesus, we shouldn’t be surprised by persecution.
• What did Jesus’ followers say about persecution and suffering?
- 1 John 3:13
- 1 Peter 4:12–14
- James 1:2–4
- Hebrews 11:37–38
Vs. 22–25
• The World Hates Jesus
- Jesus’ message confronted people with the reality of their sin, and their need for help, for a Savior.
- Because the Father sent Jesus to do this work, hating Jesus is equal to hating the Father.
- The miracles/signs Jesus did were not enough for some people to humble themselves and admit He was the Messiah.
- The hatred of the Jews toward Jesus fulfills what was written in their own Law (Psalm 35:19, 69:4).
Vs. 26–27
• The Spirit and Disciples Testify
- The Holy Spirit would be sent to testify about Jesus’ identity.
- The 11 Disciples need to also testify about who Jesus is, since they had been with Him from the beginning of His ministry.
~ 1 John 1:1–4
Connect Card
We would love to connect with you and your family. Let us know you were here, and share a prayer request if you’d like. We are so glad you’re here.
https://palmcroft.churchcenter.com/people/forms/234690Digital Bulletin
Stay up to date with what's going on at Palmcroft.
https://www.palmcroft.com/digital-bulletin/Events
Find out more about upcoming events at Palmcroft. You can register and pay for events right on your mobile device.
https://palmcroft.churchcenter.com/registrationsChurch Center
Church Center is your online hub for all things Palmcroft. This free app allows you to sign up for events, give online, and even check in your family for events ahead of time! To get started, simply download the Church Center app to your mobile device, select Palmcroft Church, then use your phone number to log in.
https://palmcroft.churchcenter.com/homeGiving
Give online simply and securely through Church Center. You can designate particular funds and even set up a recurring donation.
https://palmcroft.churchcenter.com/givingSermons
Have you missed a recent worship service? You can watch the latest sermons online or even share them with a friend.
https://www.palmcroft.com/watchPodcasts
Check out our podcasts to listen to a Sunday sermon, enjoy a more in-depth study of our Bible passage, and hear amazing testimonies of how God has worked in the lives of the people of our congregation.
https://www.palmcroft.com/podcasts