Reading
SAA Notes
In AD 70 the Jewish Christians took these words to heart, and in between Rome’s first and second attack on Jerusalem, they all fled to Petra (in Jordan) and to safety. Almost everyone in Jerusalem was killed. 2,700,200 Jews from all over the world (according to Josephus) had gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover and were unable to escape.
SJA Notes
* Gracious God, thank You for Your grace and mercy to us, undeserved.
“This will be your opportunity to bear witness.”
Jesus gives us a hard word here.
Jesus does not describe a loving crowd, this is not legions of adoring fans waiting to hear us speak.
What are the situations Jesus details here for when our opportunity to witness comes?
These situations matter.
PERSECUTION. DELIVERED UP. COURTS. PRISONS. BEFORE KINGS.
“You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by all for my name’s sake.”
This has happened, throughout the ages.
Do not be fooled – The persecution of God’s people is alive and active. We should not feel ashamed to think on this.
The persecution may look different based on where we live, what earthly powers hold sway, our local communities.
But when we stand for Jesus we will face persecution.
What is Jesus’ word to us?
“By your endurance you will gain your lives.”
This is a great word to us!
God’s people are to endure, as we witness, as we give testimony. As John encourages us in 1 John 5,
“And this is the testimony: that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
Let us be encouraged to bear witness to Jesus today.
* Dear Lord God,
Please continue to work within us, to will and to work for Your good pleasure.
Please help us endure.
Amen.