Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus here reminds his followers that their rejection will mirror his own, not just in persecution, but also in the reception of their message. If the world refused to listen to Him, they certainly won't automatically embrace you; but conversely, those who truly honored Jesus' words will also honor yours.
Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Jesus is wrapping up his final conversation with his disciples before his crucifixion, preparing them for the future. He’s just told them they were chosen out of the world, which is why the world hates them. Now, he reminds them that they shouldn't expect to be treated better than he was, drawing a parallel between his experience and theirs.
Jesus doesn't sugarcoat things. He connects His own suffering directly to what His followers will face. What does this deep connection mean for us?
Jesus reminds His disciples, "Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’" (John 15:20a). He's drawing a clear parallel: if the world intensely opposed and attacked Him, they will also do the same to those who follow Him.
The Meaning of 'Persecuted'
The Greek word translated as 'persecuted' (diōkō) originally meant to chase after, to pursue swiftly. It evolved to mean pursuing with hostile intent, to harass or trouble. Imagine being relentlessly pursued, with no escape. This isn't just mild disagreement; it's active, often aggressive opposition.
United in Suffering
Jesus isn't just stating a possibility; He's declaring a reality based on His own experience. The world's rejection of Him is a direct predictor of its rejection of His followers. This shared experience isn't a sign of failure, but a testament to their genuine connection to Christ.
Jesus presents two sides of the world's reaction: rejection and reception. Which side will people take with your words for Christ?
The second part of Jesus' statement in John 15:20 offers a contrasting, yet equally significant, reality: "If they kept my word, they will also keep yours."
The Significance of 'Keeping the Word'
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When Jesus speaks of the world 'keeping His word,' it implies more than just hearing it. It means receiving it, obeying it, and treasuring it. It signifies a genuine embrace of His teaching and His person.
The Apostolic Link
This statement powerfully connects the reception of Jesus' message to the reception of the message preached by His followers. If people truly embraced Jesus' words, they would also recognize and honor the words of His appointed messengers. The disciples' message wasn't their own; it was an extension of Christ's own word, flowing from His unique relationship with the Father and His mission.
Understand the original words
doulos · Greek Noun
One who is in a state of bondage or service to another. Biblically, it describes the believer's humble, obedient relationship to Christ as their Master and Lord.
diōkō · Greek Verb
To harass, oppress, or mistreat someone due to their faith or allegiance to Christ. It is the predictable response of a fallen world to the presence of the truth.
Jesus reminds his followers that their path will mirror his own. Just as he faced rejection and hostility from the world because his message challenged its status quo, so too will they. This wasn't a random prediction, but a foundational understanding of their mission rooted in Jesus' own experience with the religious and political powers of his day.
c. AD 28-30
Jesus' Public Ministry
Jesus traveled and taught, performing miracles and attracting a growing following, but also drawing the ire of religious and political leaders.
c. AD 30
Jesus' Crucifixion
Despite his popularity with some crowds, Jesus was arrested, tried, and executed by crucifixion under Roman authority, fulfilling prophecies but deeply shocking his followers.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Early Ministry of the Apostles
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles began their ministry, preaching the Gospel, performing signs, and experiencing initial success but also facing opposition.
c. AD 40s-50s
Spread of the Gospel
The message of Jesus spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, carried by apostles like Paul, leading to the establishment of numerous churches.
c. AD 60s
Persecution Under Nero (Possible)
While debated, some traditions suggest early Christians faced persecution under Emperor Nero, marking a significant escalation of state-sponsored opposition.
This passage directly echoes Jesus' teaching that a disciple is not above his teacher, setting the stage for the expectation of persecution that followers will face, just as their Master did.
Acts 14:22This verse shows the apostles Paul and Barnabas actively fulfilling Jesus' words by strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain firm in their faith, reminding them that they must go through many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.
2 Timothy 3:12Paul directly reminds Timothy that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will indeed be persecuted, reinforcing Jesus' promise that persecution is an inevitable part of following Him.
1 Peter 4:12-13Peter explicitly states that believers should not be surprised by fiery trials when they come, as they are meant to test them, linking their suffering to the fellowship of Christ's sufferings.
vincentJohn 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."
Persecuted (ἐδίωξαν)The verb means originally to put to flight; thence to run swiftly in order to overtake or attain, as the goal or the competitor in the race. Thus Sophocles ("Electra," 738): "He urged his swift steeds vehemently with shouts that pierced their ears, and makes for him…
calvinJohn 15:16-21: "Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you."
- You have not chosen me, but I have chosen you; and I have ordained you to go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should continue; that whatever you shall ask from the Father in my name he may give you. 17. These things I command you, that you may love another. 18…
Jesus here reminds his followers that their rejection will mirror his own, not just in persecution, but also in the reception of their message. If the world refused to listen to Him, they certainly won't automatically embrace you; but conversely, those who truly honored Jesus' words will also honor yours.
Jesus is wrapping up his final conversation with his disciples before his crucifixion, preparing them for the future. He’s just told them they were chosen out of the world, which is why the world hates them. Now, he reminds them that they shouldn't expect to be treated better than he was, drawing a parallel between his experience and theirs.
Jesus is wrapping up his final conversation with his disciples before his crucifixion, preparing them for the future. He’s just told them they were chosen out of the world, which is why the world hates them. Now, he reminds them that they shouldn't expect to be treated better than he was, drawing a parallel between his experience and theirs.
"Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours." — Jesus here reminds his followers that their rejection will mirror his own, not just in persecution, but also in the reception of their message. If the world refused to listen to Him, they certainly…
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Last reviewed October 2026