With his departure drawing ever closer, Jesus wants to make sure his disciples know what to expect after he is gone. They can anticipate the world hating and persecuting them—just as he was hated and rejected. However, he makes clear that their rejection isn’t personal; they will be hated because of him. That is why he is sending the Helper: to bear witness about him through the disciples. Why does Jesus tell them all this? So they don’t fall away, but instead are not surprised when the hard times come. His words should comfort us as we bear witness of Jesus—even if it leads to hatred and persecution.