Jesus also warned them that many of them (and others, as history will prove) will be hated, imprisoned and killed because of their faith in Jesus. Not only will they face persecution from civic and religious leaders, they will also face betrayal by parents, siblings and their children. Jesus had warned them about this sad truth in previous teaching.
Matthew 10:34–38 “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.”
After telling the disciples/believers that some would be faced with execution, the Lord encouraged them to look beyond this life—“not an hair of your head shall perish.” Obviously, this is referencing other than physical death. This is referencing our resurrected body that will live for eternity. Our life here is but a vapor in comparison.
1 Corinthians 15:53–54 “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.”
James 4:14 “Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.”
The LORD also encouraged His disciples by telling them that through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, He will give them the words He wants them to say when they are brought before the authorities.
There is a ray of sunshine as Jesus continues to prophesy, the gospel will be preached in all nations in spite of the persecution and martyrdom of believers.
The next warning is against false prophets that will rise up and deceive many. False prophets always lead people away from the truth of God’s word. Their deception will be facilitated by the fact that sin will abound more and more and love will become colder as people are focused more and more on self.
(to be continued...)
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