[After warning not to be disturbed by false messiahs, wars, and natural disasters, Jesus continued,] “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers. But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me. So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you, for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you! Even those closest to you — your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends — will betray you. They will even kill some of you. And everyone will hate you because you are my followers. But not a hair of your head will perish! By standing firm, you will win your souls.”
Key Thought
Jesus’ emphasizes in previous verses that the Temple would be destroyed but his disciples, both then and also now, need to invest in what is permanent. We must not be shaken by false messiahs and troubles in the world. In these verses, the Jesus’ emphasis is perhaps even more important for us: Even in the face of personal persecution, we must stand firm, and we will be saved!
Today’s Prayer
Holy and loving Father, please give me the strength I need to stand firm in my faith no matter what outward circumstances may surround me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Related Scripture Readings
1 Corinthians 16:13Colossians 1:20-23Hebrews 3:14Ⓒ 1996-2023 Heartlight, Inc. This material may not be reproduced in part or whole for commercial use without written consent. What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form. Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.