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Home Luke 21:12-19 NRSVue

Luke 21:12-19 NRSVue

12“But before all this occurs, they will arrest you and persecute you; they will hand you over to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So make up your minds not to prepare your defense in advance, 15for I will give you words and a wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents and siblings, by relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17You will be hated by all because of my name. 18But not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your souls.

New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

“Copyright © 2021 National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.”

Some thoughts on this scripture

Reflection
Jesus does not promise that life will be easy for his disciples. What he does promise is that he will give us words and wisdom to hold fast to the Good News. This Good News includes the promise of our resurrection.

Reflection
I pray: ‘Jesus, I admire your endurance. You put up with so much frustration and opposition; you were betrayed and put to death. Give me a share of that endurance, so that I may not crumble when things get tough!’

Reflection
When I hear Jesus speak in this ominous way, how do I react? Does it stir my blood or leave me cold? Does it seem somehow relevant or utterly distant from me?

Reflection
What is my experience of conflict and betrayal?

Reflection
How does Jesus' promise to be with me all the way move me?

Reflection
This picture of arrest and persecution seems remote from our experience: something hard to imagine happening to us. However most of us have known betrayal and unjust treatment at some point of our lives. Whether at school, or in the family, or at work, or with acquaintances, we have tasted hatred at some stage. If Jesus could face it, so can we. He tells us to be unsurprisable. It is not the end. You will survive. But do not let the experience quench your love or your faith.