Expect Persecution. Mark 13:9-13.
“But be on your guard. For they will deliver you over to councils, and you will be beaten in synagogues, and you will stand before kings and governors for my sake, to bear witness before them. “And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations. “And when they bring you to trial and deliver you over, do not be anxious beforehand what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour, for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. “And brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death. “And you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.”
Dear Royal Priesthood,
As Jesus tells the disciples about events of the End Times, he also wants to impress it upon them that they will play a key role in the unfolding events.
Persecution (v. 9). The disciples must be ready to face opposition, beatings, and trials both the religious leaders and secular governments will oppose them. It does not necessarily mean that every Christian will go through all these trials, but they’re also has not been a time since Jesus spoke these words, when believers were free from opposition and persecution. The modern criticism of Christian values as bigoted, narrow-minded, and judgmental is a case in point.
Proclamation (v. 10). But the gospel cannot be fettered or silenced. It will be preached to all nations. The word translated nations are the word from which we get the adjective “ethnic” and its derivatives. It is better rendered “people groups.” Every people, language, culture, and tribe will hear the good news, opposition notwithstanding. When we encounter opposition and persecution, we should see it as an opportunity to make Jesus known.
Provision (v. 11). When believers are brought to trial, they should not worry about their defense. What they are to say will be given to them by the Holy Spirit, because he is at work in them. The main goal should not be freedom but the proclamation of the gospel. The Christian may end up in jail or dead, but Christ will be preached and honored. This is not to say that we should seek to be persecuted. On the contrary, we should avoid unnecessary confrontation and arguments, but be willing to take what comes to us for the sake of Christ.
Perseverance (v. 12-13). The gospel will separate families and close relatives will betray believers. A time will come as it has in the past when believers will have no one they can trust and everyone will hate them. What should they do then? They should persevere and keep going because salvation is coming for those who do not give up. This is not necessarily salvation to eternal life, because believers are already saved, but rescue from the dangers, trials, and tribulations of the End Times. Trials must never cause us to give up. In any case, they are to be expected. We must always keep in mind that God will come to our rescue in the end.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.