How did the apostles feel hearing from their Lord that they would face tribulations as large and general as nations going to war against each other and famines and earthquakes in divers places as well as one as personal as being betrayed by parents, friends and kinsfolk, hated by all men and in some cases put to death? On their face such saying would inspire fear or discomfort.
Jesus told them that those general tribulations as well as persecution in the world would turn to them for a testimony (I read that their testimonies would be strengthened by these things – likely in large measure because they had been told to expect them).
His other counsel, that they should not do to consider their answers but instead allow Him to inspire their wisdom in the moment would be comforting to me if I were hearing it as would His promise that despite persecution etc. not a hair of their heads would be harmed and thus they would win their souls through an exercise of patience amidst trial.
Leave a Reply