Mark 13:9-13 – Persecution and Promises
Jesus wants His disciples to know that Christians will suffer for following Him. Christians will be hated by men because unsaved men hate Jesus and anyone that reminds them of Jesus. Even families will betray and hate those in it who are Christians. The religious leaders will persecute Christians, and the political leaders will use their power against Jesus’ followers. None of these attitudes have changed in the 2,000 years since Christ spoke these words. The cost of following Christ is still suffering and persecution.
Jesus, though, gives all Christians some amazing promises to comfort them when they are persecuted. He promises that God’s kingdom will continue, spread, and prosper despite persecution. The enemies of God cannot stop His building His Church. The sufferings of Christians will give them opportunities to explain to others why they believe in Jesus. Jesus also promises that the Holy Spirit will give them the words to say to others. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t study what we believe, so we can explain it to others. It means that when we don’t have time to think through what we are going to say, we don’t have to worry because God will give us the right words. The Christian must be faithful right to the end; but if he is a true Christian, he will be faithful because God keeps him faithful (Romans 14:4). In the end there is everlasting happiness which will more than make up for their suffering.
Questions
- Why will people hate Christians?
- Who will give us the words to say to those who don’t believe in Jesus?
Prayer Points
- Pray for Christians suffering persecution in other countries.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.