Jesus declared woe to the scribes and Pharisees in great detail. “Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!” (Matthew 23:13). “Woe to you, blind guides!” (23:16). “You blind guides! You strain out a gnat but swallow a camel!” (23:24). “Woe to you, Scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which on the outside look beautiful, but inside they are full of the bones of the dead and of all kinds of filth” (23:27).

He followed this with a deep lament over Jerusalem for its reluctance to receive the comfort and solace he intended for it: “How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (23:37).

And then Jesus offered a serious warning to his disciples that in days to come there would be people who would try to get them to turn from the path of true discipleship. “Many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the Messiah!’ and they will lead many astray” (24:5). But that would be just the beginning of the trouble we will face. “They will hand you over to be tortured and will put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of my name,” he warned (24:9). Many will find their faith tested, and they will fall away and betray one another (24:10). The love of many will grow cold (24:12). And yet in the midst of all this trial, the gospel will indeed be proclaimed throughout all the world, to all the nations (24:14).

I’ve never been excited about persecution and suffering. All other things being equal, I’d just as soon skip that part. And yet Jesus has declared that his followers should expect this, in our lives in this world. Indeed, many Christians today face hatred, torture, and death, and we cannot suppose that we will always be immune. Yet because we fear these things, the day might come when betraying one another could start to look attractive, if our own suffering is the alternative.

* * * * *

Being loyal to you has never been easy, O Lord. Standing firm in the faith has always been demanding. On balance we’ve had it easier than many places and many eras. Yet if strong opposition and hatred is to be our lot, grant us courage to stand for you and to proclaim your gospel, even at the cost of our own lives.

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