All men will hate you because of me.
Here the Teacher informs His students of the coming destruction of Jerusalem. Naturally they want to know when this terrible event will happen.
At that time the event was yet thirty plus years in the future! Jesus tells them of many things that will happen between now and then - These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away."
Most importantly he prepares them for the rejection they will receive in the meantime - But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.
They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. This will result in your being witnesses to them.
Then the Teacher gives His students some very timely promises.
But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
This is a promise every student of Jesus can rely on. When we stand and speak for Him, He is with us. He promises words and wisdom to carry us through.
Then Jesus gives what seems to be a contradictory statement - and they will put some of you to death…But not a hair of your head will perish.
Incredible! Some will be killed but not a hair of their head will perish?
The Teacher is promising a resurrection. Death is not the end after all! Those who die for their testimony will never perish!
They were warned, tough times were ahead.
ReplyDeleteThey were also given hope - everlasting hope.
We have been somewhat spoiled in the USA. We have religious freedom. Yet, our freedoms are starting to be stepped on. In the sake of others freedoms, our freedom to speak about and discuss Jesus is being discouraged - even denied.
I'm not wanting to get into ploitics, but our ease of being a Christian may be coming close to an end. I see religious persecution on the rise.
Jesus says that we will endure hardships (in this world you will have trouble John 16:33) Yet when we stand firm and speak for him - even to the point of being put to death - we will not perish!
Heed the warning. Stand strong, stand firm.
Trust in the Teacher.
Never be afraid to speak about Him!