John 15:20
Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
John 15:20
Jesus reminds his followers of the pattern of his life and the discipline of discipleship: “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord.” The historical setting is clear: the disciples are about to face persecution, just as Jesus's own words predict. The claim that persecution will come if they “have persecuted me” anchors their identity in alignment with Christ, not popular opinion. The second clause—“if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also”—offers both warning and hope: faithful witness aligned with Jesus’ teaching will be recognized or at least preserved by the Father through the Spirit.
This verse highlights the continuity between Jesus’ teaching and the apostles’ proclamation. The pattern of suffering for the sake of truth is a central biblical motif, confirming the authenticity of the gospel and the credibility of Christian witness. It also reinforces the unity between Jesus’ message and the church’s mission: if the world resisted Jesus and his message, it will resist those who carry on his teaching.
For today, the verse invites spiritual courage. When faced with hostility, lean into community for support, remember the source of authority (Jesus), and respond with grace rather than vengeance. It can mean choosing difficult conversations over easy escapes, standing by coworkers who are marginalized, or upholding ethical commitments when others pressure you to compromise. The assurance that your faithfulness aligns with Jesus’ own pattern can give you resilience.
Cross-References: 2 Timothy 3:12; John 8:59; Acts 4:3–4; Romans 8:17; 1 Peter 4:14