Luke 21:10–19 (ESV)
Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution
10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There
will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this 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. 14 Settle
it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.
16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my
name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.
The disciples will endure various persecutions along with Jerusalem’s fall. Today, when put to the test, we cannot rely on our own strength. Jesus promises guidance in the persecutions His disciples face.
He is our strength in the midst of all trials.
I pray: Lord, give us Your wisdom to bear witness in every persecution. Amen.
Edward A. Engelbrecht, The Lutheran Study
Bible (St. Louis, MO: Concordia Publishing House, 2009), 1761.