Breaking the Word

"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. 

While some people were speaking about how the temple was adorned with costly stones and votive offerings, he said, "All that you see here– the days will come when there will not be left a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down." Then they asked him, "Teacher, when will this happen? And what sign will there be when all these things are about to happen?" He answered, "See that you not be deceived, for many will come in my name, saying, 'I am he,' and 'The time has come.' Do not follow them!  When you hear of wars and insurrections, do not be terrified; for such things must happen first, but it will not immediately be the end."  Then he said to them, "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.(Lk 21: 5-11)

The Temple in Jerusalem signified everything for the people of Israel. It was their focal point; it was their symbol and sign. Every Israelite had his eyes fixed on the temple. He was recommended to visit three times in a year (he must do so at least once a year). It was the sign of God’s presence. When Jesus said that this temple was going to be destroyed then that would mean the destruction of the people of Israel.

No one would want to see the destruction of the temple. So they asked when this would happen. Jesus’ answer does not reply them directly rather it shows the concern of Jesus for his disciples regarding the last days or the end time. He is concerned that they should not be deceived by anyone coming in his name. This warning is on the religious grounds.

He also warned his disciples on socio-political and natural grounds. There will be wars and political wars; plagues and famines and earthquakes; and there will be signs in the sky. All these things will happen and they should not be carried away by all these. They should be faithful to the person Jesus: cling on to th person Jesus and not carried away by religious, socio-political and natural happenings.