John 15:20 AMPB
Remember that I told you, A servant is not greater than his master [is not superior to him]. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they kept My word and obeyed My teachings, they will also keep and obey yours.
When Adam and Eve fell in the Garden of Eden, forgetfulness set into the life of man. Due to this state of man, Jesus had to remind the disciples on several occasions that they will pass through the same experiences, He went through, according to Our Bible Reading today, it reminded us in one of those days Jesus had to remind His disciples concerning the kinds and several persecutions He endured just to secure a better future for us
He was very sincere with His disciples; He let them know before hand that Christianity is not all rosy. They will be persecuted, some will reject their gospel and even they may not be welcome at certain places. Some may go through self denial and sacrifices to overcome public condemnation yet they will be manhandled and pass through terrible situations for being identified with Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 11:25-26.
Because he preferred to share the oppression [suffer the hardships] and bear the shame of the people of God rather than to have the fleeting enjoyment of a sinful life.
He considered the contempt and abuse and shame [borne for] the Christ (the Messiah Who was to come) to be greater wealth than all the treasures of Egypt, for he looked forward and away to the reward (recompense).
Whatever suffering He went through was the standard for them to follow. This lesson is a model for modern Christianity; it is not a bed of roses even amongst Roses there are thorns, therefore, we should make provision for persecution and rejection. If we are conscious of this fact, whatever suffering we may be going through because of the gospel will not be new to us but rather we shall rejoice to share in Christ\’s suffering.
Dear beloved, this will go a long way to teach us that it\’s not of him who runs or of him who wills but is of God that shows mercy.
So then \”God\’s gift is not a question of human will and human effort, but of God\’s mercy. [It depends not on one\’s own willingness nor on his strenuous exertion as in running a race, but on God\’s having mercy on him\”. (Romans 9:16) AMP.
Do not be weary in doing the will of God and do not be afraid when meet with diverse trials for He will be with you till the end of time.
Thanks for Reading and pls don\’t forget to share. Remain Blessed 🙏
Mrs Blessing I N Onugha ❤️