²⁵ “But they have done this to fulfill the word that is written in their Law, ‘They hated Me without a cause.’”

Many today invoke the word “hate” to project the most extreme judgment on the intentions of another person with whom there is disagreement. Much emotional leverage can be obtained by accusing someone of hate-speech. Jesus, in using this word, however, does not stoop to making political points, nor squelch the speech of those who would disagree with Him. The hate that He speaks of is not a rhetorical device to enflame His followers to violence, but rather to prepare them for the worst and for the best. In a few short hours, the hatred of which He speaks will drive His detractors to crucify Him. But His, and His disciples’ response, would be to confront the worst with their best, namely, genuine love.

How ironic that the Messiah, the Sent-one from God, the very God Himself appearing as a man, the soon-to-be-Savior of the world would actually be hated! He who came to love, and did indeed demonstrate that love to all without bias, partisanship or prejudice – this one was hated. A relative few responded to His overwhelming love and acceptance, but the majority rejected Him in their hatred of His truth, His holiness, His righteousness. They didn’t want His forgiveness, as wonderful as that would be, because they held too tightly to their self-attained “goodness.” They would not humble themselves to acknowledge their need. Theirs was a hatred that was born in the great fall of Lucifer himself, who wanted to ascend above the throne of God (Isaiah 14:12-13). When confronted with the fullness of the Godhead in bodily form (Col 2:9), the seed of the serpent burst forth in the hearts of men, in all its colorless blackness. Hatred is the only word strong enough to describe it. Jesus simply but starkly reprised what He had taught them earlier, “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed” (John 3:20). The crucifixion of Jesus would, indeed, expose their hearts, their deeds, for what they really were—hatred of God. In a few short hours, full expression would be given to that hatred. And without cause!

How are disciples to respond to the inevitability of being hated? Let us recall what our Lord and Master spoke earlier, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Mt 5:43–44). It is to this that we testify by our words and by our actions, God’s overwhelming love.

Lord, help me as I face the world’s rejection of the message of God, to respond with Christ-like love, the best response to the worst rejection.