In John 16, Jesus reminds His disciples that they would be severely persecuted upon His departure. He says to them, “Indeed, an hour is coming when those who kill you will think that by doing so they are offering worship to God” (v. 2, NRSV). To kill in the name of God shows that “they have not known the Father or me”. Never think that confessing Jesus as Messiah is insurance against trouble and opposition. Never forget that “he who believes in me will never die” (John 11:26).
“And they will do this because they have not known the Father or me. But I have said these things to you so that when their hour comes you may remember that I told you about them. “I did not say these things to you from the beginning, because I was with you.” John 16:3-4 (NRSV)
