"Before all this happens, however, they will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense beforehand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speaking that all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives. (Lk 21;12-19)
Jesus speaks, in this passage, about the persecutions which they will face because of their fidelity to Jesus and his name. They will be persecuted by religious leaders in the synagogues and by governors in the political arena. They will be imprisoned to defend their situations. They have no worry about the defence. They are only to be ready to bear witness to Jesus and his name.
Persecution is not only in the world outside but it is also in the family. Family members and relatives and friends will also turn against them. The disciples and followers will be hated and even put to death on account of the name of Jesus. Individual disciple and follower will be sidelined and marginalized and even isolated because of the name of Jesus.
Jesus’ consoling words are at the end of the passage: ‘not a hair on your head will be destroyed’. The disciple should have the faith in God that nothing happens without the knowledge and the permission of God. God has a purpose in whatever happens to the disciple of Jesus. No earthly leader or a family situation has upper hand in the happenings of the disciple. The disciple should have faith in God and he should continue to persevere in it.
