Albert Barnes Commentary John 15:25

"But [this cometh to pass], that the word may be fulfilled that is written in their law, They hated me without a cause." — John 15:25 (ASV)

In their law (Psalms 35:19). All the Old Testament was sometimes called the law. The meaning here is that the same thing happened to him which happened to the psalmist. The same words which David used respecting his enemies would also express the conduct of the Jews and their treatment of the Messiah.

In both cases it was without cause. Jesus had broken no law; he had done no injury to his country or to any individual. It is still true that sinners hate him in the same way. He injures no one, but, amid all their hatred, he seeks their welfare; and, while they reject him in a manner for which they can give no reason in the day of judgment, he still follows them with mercies and entreats them to return to him.

Who has ever had any reason to hate the Lord Jesus? What injury has he ever done to any one of the human race? What evil has he ever said or thought of any one of them? What cause or reason did the Jews have for putting him to death? What reason does the sinner have for hating him now?

What reason for neglecting him? No one can give a reason for it that will satisfy his own conscience, none that has the least show of plausibility. Yet no being on earth has ever been more hated, despised, or neglected, and in every instance it has been without a cause. Reader, do you hate him? If so, I ask you WHY? How has he injured you? Or why should you think or speak reproachfully of the benevolent and pure Redeemer?