Alive on the Vine: A Look Into Johnනියැදිය

Day 6: Not of This World

If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (John 15:19, ESV).

“The world hates you” is not exactly an encouraging message. It’s a harsh reality, and Jesus’ disciples needed no further evidence than the plots to arrest him, the murmurs against him, and the stones many picked up to throw at him when he made bold claims. Apparently, longing for the Messiah and the fulfillment of prophecy was thoroughly acceptable, even commendable, but claiming to have found the Messiah—or worse, to be him—was not. One wonders how the Messiah might enter the scene at all.

But Jesus did, claiming to have come from above and acting the part, but not at all looking the part as most religious leaders perceived it. Many therefore hated him, especially as a threat to their power and influence, and “the ruler of this world” stood ready to oppose him (14:30). If the disciples were really going to do greater works than Jesus (14:12) and teach the truths he had given them (14:26), they should expect the same adverse treatment.

But behind this warning is an encouraging truth: “You are not of this world.” Jesus had already chosen his followers out of the world—not by removing them from it (17:11, 15-16) but by spiritually replanting them in a deeper, truer realm. The hostile religious leaders were rooted in a fallen, old creation, and the prince of darkness was confined to that domain—and about to be stripped of any real power and authority (12:31; 14:30). But Jesus’ followers—branches on the vine, beloved children of the Father, friends of the powerful Savior from the realm beyond—would be born of different seed and filled with the eternal Spirit. Nothing this world could throw at them could ultimately threaten them.

Re-Envision Your Adversary

Like Jesus’ closest disciples, you stand between two kingdoms that are at odds with each other. You may not experience the battle as intensely as they did, but it’s there, and you’ve probably seen it at times. You were born into a fallen creation but have become part of its restoration and renewal. The new genesis looks threatening to the old, but you’ve been born from above. You’ll feel the tension often.

Even so, never see the world as your adversary. Your battle is not against flesh-and-blood enemies (Ephesians 6:12). Your real enemies are the dark deceptions of this realm, the illusions of worldly power and status, the scars and wounds of all who are unaware of a Father’s love. In the power of the Spirit, refuse the world’s intimidation. Advance the Kingdom wherever you are. Embody, demonstrate, and speak the truth of the realm of glory into the realm that needs to see it.