What's Not to Like?

Christians are being persecuted in many parts of the world, and to a much greater degree than we in the US experience. In truth, there is no comparison. But why are Christians persecuted? Jesus tells us it's because we have been chosen out of the world, and if the world persecutes him, which it most certainly did, then it will persecute us. But why was Jesus persecuted, hated? He explains, "[the world] hates me because I testify about it that its works are evil." (John 7:7) Jesus, and those whom he has chosen, are a provocation to the world, for our presence testifies that reality is not what the world thinks it is.