Witness (Luke 21:12-19)
In Luke’s reporting of this teaching of Jesus, we get more similarity to Mark than Matthew. However, Luke’s feels the most developed of the reports. Jesus warns His disciples (and those to follow) that they will face persecution for their faith. Governments, both Jewish and Gentile, from Jesus’s day until the end will resist the Christian faith.
This comes as a surprise to Western believers today, but it should not. There has been a 2,000-year track record that shows that the powers of the world do not like followers of Jesus. Perhaps it is because Christianity has influenced Western culture so much that we feel this persecution less. Some would say that it is because Western governments are often “Christian” governments. Perhaps it is because Western Christianity has compromised enough that we don’t present a threat.
Regardless of the whys and how’s, believers need to be prepared to face opposition. This doesn’t just come from government powers, but from families and society as well. Interestingly, Jesus tells His followers that this is not a bad thing. It gives opportunity for the faith to be defended. We are all called to be witnesses for Jesus, and it is in opposition when we often get the best chances to fill that role.
If you believe Jesus, then these opportunities are not rehearsed or prepared for. The Holy Spirit of God gives words, strength, and wisdom as needed. Some will suffer in this persecution, but ultimately, we need not fear even death, for we are in God’s hands. And we live in the West too, of course. However, persisting in the faith is the challenge we are given. Suffering and opposition either produce testimony or compromise.
This comes as a surprise to Western believers today, but it should not. There has been a 2,000-year track record that shows that the powers of the world do not like followers of Jesus. Perhaps it is because Christianity has influenced Western culture so much that we feel this persecution less. Some would say that it is because Western governments are often “Christian” governments. Perhaps it is because Western Christianity has compromised enough that we don’t present a threat.
Regardless of the whys and how’s, believers need to be prepared to face opposition. This doesn’t just come from government powers, but from families and society as well. Interestingly, Jesus tells His followers that this is not a bad thing. It gives opportunity for the faith to be defended. We are all called to be witnesses for Jesus, and it is in opposition when we often get the best chances to fill that role.
If you believe Jesus, then these opportunities are not rehearsed or prepared for. The Holy Spirit of God gives words, strength, and wisdom as needed. Some will suffer in this persecution, but ultimately, we need not fear even death, for we are in God’s hands. And we live in the West too, of course. However, persisting in the faith is the challenge we are given. Suffering and opposition either produce testimony or compromise.
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