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Author: Stephen Weller
798 words, 4 minutes read time

Be Prepared for Persecution

Scripture: Mark 13:9, 11; Luke 21:12-15

With the previous lesson we finished a section with Jesus and the disciples on the Mount of Olives, located just opposite the temple. As they sat there, Jesus begins to teach his disciples more about end times; a teaching that has become known as the “Olivet Discourse.” With this lesson we begin a new section about persecution and reward.

^{Lk 21:12} “But before all this, ^{Mk 13:9} be on your guard. ^{Lk 21:12} They will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name’s sake. ¹³ This will be your opportunity to bear witness.

The instruction to “be on your guard” given by Jesus to his disciples would pertain to all believers from then to the time of the end, and more so as the time draws closer and the signs become more frequent and intense. We are to be on guard and “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8 ESV) and he most likely will use people to do his work. We must be on constant guard for these people, especially in countries of persecution, who hate Jesus Christ and take their hate out on his followers.

As Jesus taught and performed signs, opposition against him grew and finally they nailed him to a cross. As opposition was building up toward Jesus he warned his disciples and those who would follow that some would take them by force and persecute them and bring false charges against them and place them in prisons. As we are brought before those in authority and charged with crimes that may be no greater than being a believer or owning a Bible, we will have an opportunity to bear witness. In fact, this may be the only way those who oppose us may clearly hear the gospel.

^{Mk 13:11} And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say. ^{Lk 21:14} Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, ^{Mk 13:11} but say whatever is given you in that hour, ^{Lk 21:15} for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. ^{Mk 13:11} For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.

Jesus tells his disciples that they will be brought to trial and when they are they are to be prepared to respond in a certain way. They are not to be anxious about what they are to say. In verse 13 we are told to share the gospel with them and if we have been sharing it before being arrested then our witness to them would be natural. I know that in certain locations in the world, believers are actually trained in how to respond and when to respond and things that should not be said.

There is definite merit in this kind of training, but it is more important that one have experience in prayer and understanding the guidance of the Holy Spirit. I really came to understand this during my time as a missionary in Asia. Seeking guidance and practicing our witness under his direction provides us with assurance that he will provide us with what to say in that hour. I have been amazed at his guidance and the words given to me to speak at times and understand that he does give us wisdom and words to speak that will demonstrate how we are different than those of the world. Truly, the Holy Spirit will speak through us, but I would be quick to say how important it is that we have knowledge of the Bible and experience its truths in ministry to others.

Conclusion

If we are not sold out to Jesus with an effective witness then there is a good chance we will look so much like the world that we will not be seen as a threat and if we are seen as a threat, we may deny our faith to protect ourselves. Remember what Jesus said in Matthew 16:25 ESV: “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” When persecution comes, and it will, will you be ready to be an effective witness. Your best witness may be how you suffer and die under persecution. There are many believers in the world who are living under this threat.