October 28, 2026
Today's Reading: John 15:(12-16) 17-21
Daily Lectionary: Deuteronomy 30:1-20; Matthew 19:1-15
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Simon the Zealot and Jude, son of James, are two of the Twelve apostles about whom we know very little. They don’t have dramatic conversion stories like Paul. They didn’t walk on water like Peter or lean on Jesus’ chest like John. Jude wrote one short letter, and Simon didn’t even get that. In many ways, they’re the forgotten apostles.
But Jesus didn’t forget them. He chose them, called them by name, and sent them out to preach the Gospel. And according to tradition, both were martyred for that Gospel. The world hated them because the world first hated Jesus.
Jesus warns His disciples about this in today’s reading. “If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” This isn’t meant to discourage you. It’s meant to prepare you for reality. Following Jesus doesn’t guarantee popularity, success, or comfort.
The world hated Jesus because He exposed its sin and proclaimed a kingdom not of this world. The world hates Christians for the same reason. When you confess that Jesus is the only way to the Father, the world calls you intolerant. When you hold to God’s Word, the world calls you backwards.
But here’s what matters: Jesus chose you out of the world. You didn’t choose Him; He chose you. He called you by name in your Baptism and made you His own. He’s given you His World, His forgiveness, His Body and Blood. He’s promised that nothing can separate you from His love.
Simon and Jude weren’t famous apostles, but they were faithful. They preached Christ crucified and risen. They endured suffering for His name. And now they’re with Him in Paradise, wearing the white robes of the martyrs.
You may never be famous for your faith. But if you’re baptized into Christ, you’re just as much His chosen disciple as Simon and Jude were. And His promise to them is His promise to you: “In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world.”
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Almighty God, You chose Your servants Simon the Zealot and Jude to be numbered among the glorious company of the apostles. Grant that Your Church may always be taught and guided by faithful and true pastors; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one god, now and forever. Amen.
Rev. Dr. Thomas Brown, pastor of Saint Paul Lutheran Church in Spearfish, SD.
Where are you looking for meaning? In Lift Your Eyes: How to Live Outside Yourself author Joshua Pfeiffer charts a compelling path outward: upward to God in faith and gratitude, outward to our neighbors in love and service, and forward in joyful anticipation of resurrection.
