10 Then He told them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines, and pestilences in various places, along with fearful sights and great signs from heaven.

12 But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you. On account of My name they will deliver you to the synagogues and prisons, and they will bring you before kings and governors. 13 This will be your opportunity to serve as witnesses. 14 So make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

16 You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17 And you will be hated by everyone because of My name. 18 Yet not even a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.

REFLECTIONS

Written by Keng Lio

In this passage, Jesus paints a sobering picture of the future: wars, earthquakes, famines, persecution – even betrayal from those closest to us. It’s not the most comforting scene. But Jesus never promised earthly comfort – He promised His presence.

He says in verse 19, “By your patient endurance you will gain your souls” – or in the NIV, “Stand firm, and you will win life.” We will not receive eternal life by avoiding trials, but by enduring them when they come.

When everything around us feels uncertain, when the world shakes and relationships strain, Jesus reminds us that these are not signs of His absence, but opportunities to show our trust in Him. In verses 14-15, Jesus says, “Make up your mind not to worry beforehand how to defend yourselves. For I will give you speech and wisdom…”

In other words, God doesn’t just call us to be faithful – He equips us for it. He sees every hardship, every moment of fear or confusion, and He is right there with us, steadying us.

Let’s not be shaken by the noise of the world. Let’s fix our eyes on the One who holds our future. No matter what adversity we face, Jesus is right in the middle of it all.

Let's finish by praying to our Lord.

Lord, when everything feels uncertain, help me stand firm in You. Remind me that my life is secure in Your hands. Strengthen my faith and give me the words and wisdom I need, no matter what I face. Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Keng is a member of our Bossley Park Morning congregation.