The Bond of Suffering and Suffering Is One of the Means of Union With Christ

In the concluding verses of john, chapter 15, jesus teaches his disciples to expect to be hated and persecuted by the world as he was. Jesus is teaching that suffering and struggling together is one of the means by which our union with christ is known. We are counted worthy to be persecuted for his name's sake. The coming of jesus heightens the culpability of the world. What formerly could have been excused by ignorance now becomes high handed and wilful sin. If jesus abides in us, we will be hated by the world, just as our master was. But when the helper comes, whom i will send to you from the father, the spirit