Their Scriptures”: A Powerful Lesson from John 15:25

John 15:25 (NLT)

“This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures: ‘They hated me without cause.’”

Understanding Jesus’ Words

In John 15, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the reality of opposition. He speaks honestly about hatred, rejection, and persecution—not as a possibility, but as something they should expect. In verse 25, Jesus explains that this hatred does not come as a surprise to God:

“This fulfills what is written in their Scriptures…”

The phrase “their Scriptures” refers to the Jewish Scriptures, what Christians commonly call the Old Testament. These were the sacred writings studied, taught, and defended by the religious leaders who opposed Jesus.

What makes this statement so striking is the irony:

The very Scriptures the leaders claimed to honor were the same Scriptures that foretold their unjust hatred of the Messiah.

Jesus then quotes a familiar theme from the Psalms:

“They hated me without cause.”

This echoes passages such as Psalm 35:19 and Psalm 69:4, where a righteous servant of God suffers hatred despite innocence. Jesus reveals that these words ultimately point to Him.

Why Did Jesus Say “Their Scriptures”?

Jesus is not distancing Himself from Scripture—He consistently affirms its authority. Instead, He is exposing a tragic truth:

The religious leaders knew Scripture but failed to recognize God’s work They claimed loyalty to God’s Word while rejecting God’s Son Their opposition fulfilled prophecy, proving Scripture true even when misunderstood or misused

In essence, Jesus is saying:

“You search the Scriptures, yet you miss the One they testify about.”

Lessons for God’s Children Today

This verse carries powerful lessons for believers in every generation.

1. Knowing Scripture Is Not the Same as Obeying God

It is possible to read the Bible, quote verses, and still resist God’s truth. God calls His children not just to knowledge, but to humility and obedience.

“Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” (James 1:22)

2. Faithfulness to Christ May Bring Rejection

Jesus reminds us that opposition does not mean failure. If the world rejected Him, His followers should not be surprised when they face misunderstanding or hostility for standing in truth.

“If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)

3. God’s Word Is Always Fulfilled

Even human rebellion cannot stop God’s purposes. Scripture is trustworthy, reliable, and alive. What God has spoken will come to pass—just as it did in the life of Jesus.

4. We Must Examine Our Hearts

This passage invites self-reflection:

Do we read Scripture to be transformed—or to be comfortable? Are we open to God correcting us? Do we recognize Jesus as Lord, not just a figure we admire?

God desires hearts that are surrendered, not hardened.

Living Out This Truth

God calls His children to:

Love truth, even when it challenges us Follow Christ boldly, even when it costs us Trust God’s Word fully, even when the world resists it

When we face opposition for our faith, we can take comfort knowing that Jesus understands—and that God’s plan is never threatened.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank You for Your holy Word, which is living, true, and faithful. Thank You for revealing Your Son, Jesus Christ, through the Scriptures and through history. Help us not to be people who merely read Your Word, but those who live it with humble and obedient hearts.

Strengthen us when we face rejection for following Christ. Guard our hearts from pride, blindness, or complacency. Open our eyes to see Jesus clearly, love Him deeply, and follow Him faithfully.

May our lives bring glory to You in all things.

In the mighty name of Jesus we pray,

Amen.

To God be the Glory! Praise Jesus!

T

Sources

John 15:18–25, New Living Translation (NLT) Psalm 35:19, New Living Translation (NLT) Psalm 69:4, New Living Translation (NLT) James 1:22, New Living Translation (NLT) The Holy Bible, New Living Translation, Tyndale House Publishers