Advent Day 11 John 15:21-25

“But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’” (John 15:21-25 ESV)

The persecution of Christ was committed in part by those who claimed to be righteous and knew God but did not. The Pharisees and Sadducees were hypocrites. This, Jesus confronted with great anger. In John 15-16, Jesus makes it clear that you cannot love Him and not love the Father, as they are the same, united with the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, our God, one in being, three in person.

It's crucial to understand that Jesus, the Son of God, was rejected by His own people, just as it was prophesied in Isaiah 53:10. His rejection was not due to any fault of His, but because of the profound implications of His identity as the Messiah. This rejection, foretold in the scriptures, carries immense significance and underscores the depth of His sacrifice.

The Pharisees sealed the condemnation of Israel. It was the ultimate rebellion against the Mosaic Covenant and ushered in the New Covenant, founded on the Blood of the Lamb. While the Mosaic covenant promised the Messiah, God delivered Him as He promised. Israel, in its true fashion, rebelled against God yet again because of greed, sin, and hardened hearts.

Oddly enough, the Chief Priest Caiaphas prophesied about Jesus when he said that, “Jesus would die for the nation, and not for the nation only, but also to gather into one the children of God who are scattered abroad.” Jesus did just that.

This Advent, let us reflect on the infant Jesus, born in Bethlehem. Persecuted by Herod following His birth and ultimately put to death on the cross at the hands of evil men, through the sins of His own people. But isn’t that what we celebrate in Christ, a love greater than any other love that God would step down from His throne and die for the unrighteous? That the infant Jesus is the true Son of God who would carry the sins of the world? What a righteous God, a loving God, and a merciful God. Jesus, who is God, died to save us from the wrath of God, so that we may glorify God for what He has done for His children.

As we enter this Advent season, let us take up the responsibility to share the message of Christ's kingship. Let's not keep this profound truth to ourselves, but proclaim it to all, from the mountain tops to the lowest valleys. Let the world know that Jesus Christ is King.

Advent Prayer Day 11

Merciful and Loving Father,

In our unrighteous state, You sent Your only son not to condemn the world, but to save it.

What a display of love for your children.

Lord Jesus, we are eternally grateful for Your sacrifice on the cross. You, the righteous, willingly gave Your life for the unrighteous, including us.

This act of love and mercy humbles us and fills our hearts with gratitude.

By Your grace, You made it possible for us to be made whole again, justified before God.

You made it possible for us to be rejoined to God in a living, thriving relationship.

We worship You and give You thanks and praise, for without You, we would be condemned for all eternity.

It is through our love and devotion that we pray You are glorified for eternity.

In Christ’s name, we pray, Amen.