Tag: luke

Sis, Jesus Had Haters Too

The enemy remembers your name, Sis, and uses others against us.

by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan

So, you’ve got a hater (or two).

Sis, this person has a bitterness in her heart, clouded by a stronghold of jealousy. She whispers in parking lots, leans in close with hushed words, then follows up with vindictive phone calls. She seeks out strangers, friends, and foes alike to bad mouth you—day and night.

And it HURTS.

As members of the body of Christ, we should be able to discern a slanderer or someone harboring a bitter heart. We’re told to “know them by their fruit” (Matthew 7:16). However, if we’re honest, we often miss the mark; our discernment falters. We wrestle in the dark, unsure how to navigate the sting of gossip and the weight of betrayal.

Ultimately, here’s the truth, Sis: Jesus had haters too.

The Pharisees, Sadducees, scribes, chief priests, and even political leaders like Herod and Pilate schemed against Him. They plotted, slandered, and conspired to destroy Him—even as He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and offered salvation to the lost.

Crowds who once praised Him with “Hosanna!” turned around to shout, “Crucify Him!” (Luke 23:21).

If the perfect Son of God, walking in absolute righteousness, faced false accusations, betrayal, and hatred… why would we expect anything different?

How Did Jesus Handle His Haters?

  • He kept His focus on the Father. Even as people schemed against Him, Jesus withdrew often to pray (Luke 5:16). His identity was anchored in His Father, not in public opinion.
  • He discerned their motives but didn’t let bitterness take root. He saw through hypocrisy (Luke 20:23) but still moved forward with His mission.
  • He forgave—even from the cross. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).

What About Us?

Sis, when the whispers and lies come, don’t let them derail you. Give your hurt and your righteous anger to Jesus and let Him take the reigns, especially now.

  • Check your own heart. Are your words and actions bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?
  • Anchor your identity in Christ, not the opinions of others.
  • Remember: slanderers and bitter hearts will answer to God (Romans 12:19). You don’t have to rise to this occasion.

Most importantly, let’s not allow the actions of haters to make us into haters ourselves. Our response—our fruit—should reflect the One we follow.

Bible Study: Sis, Jesus Had Haters Too


“If the world hates you, know that it has hated Me before it hated you.” – John 15:18

1. The Pharisees (Mark 3:6)

“The Pharisees… took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.”

Reflection:
The Pharisees hated Jesus because His authority threatened their traditions and power. He healed on the Sabbath and exposed their hypocrisy, and rather than repent, they plotted His death.

Takeaway:
People sometimes attack us not because we’ve done wrong, but because our obedience to God exposes what they’d rather keep hidden.

2. The Chief Priests and Sanhedrin (John 11:47-53)

“So from that day on they plotted to take His life.”

Reflection:
The religious council feared losing control and influence, so they conspired to have Jesus arrested and killed—even though He was fulfilling prophecy and bringing life to many.

Takeaway:
Those driven by power and fear may turn to slander and schemes. Our role is not to fight in the flesh but to trust God’s justice and timing.

3. Herod Antipas (Luke 23:6-12)

“Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked Him… Then they sent Him back to Pilate.”

Reflection:
Herod treated Jesus like a sideshow, mocking Him because he wanted entertainment, not truth.

Takeaway:
Not every “hater” will be angry—some will mock or belittle us to make themselves feel powerful. We can’t control it, but we can choose humility over retaliation.

4. Pontius Pilate (John 19:12-16)

“Finally Pilate handed Him over to them to be crucified.”

Reflection:
Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, but pressure from the crowd led him to give in to injustice.

Takeaway:
Some people won’t hate you outright, but they’ll enable the hate of others to keep their own position safe.

5. The Crowds (Matthew 27:20-23)

“But the chief priests and elders persuaded the crowd… They all said, ‘Crucify Him!’”

Reflection:
The same crowd that once shouted “Hosanna!” quickly turned when influenced by leaders. People’s approval is fickle.

Takeaway:
We can’t root our identity in public opinion; we must root it in Christ, who never changes.

Prayer:

Father, help me to see beyond the sting of slander, gossip, and hate. When I face whispers, lies, or betrayal, remind me that Jesus walked this road first. Keep my heart from bitterness and my mouth from sin. Anchor my identity in Your truth, and help me respond with grace and boldness, just as Jesus did. Amen.

Challenge for the Week:

  • Check your fruit: Are your words and actions reflecting Christ, even toward those who oppose you?
  • Pray for your haters: Each day, speak one blessing over someone who has slandered or hurt you (Matthew 5:44).
  • Anchor your identity: Read John 15:18-19 daily and remind yourself—if they hated Jesus, it’s no surprise when the world opposes His followers.

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