What a promise to read today. Despite all of the trials, tribulations, persecution--and possible martyrdom--that Jesus guarantees to come the way of a disciple that lives for His names’ sake, He promises that no harm will be done to us--all the hairs on our head will be accounted for, to the exact number that He has counted out for each of us [Luke 12.7]. Seems like a paradox, right?

Because of your eternal faith in Jesus, you may lose a friendship or a relationship in your family.

“But not a hair on your head will perish.”

Because of your eternal faith in Jesus, you may be singled out before groups that make a mockery of your faith.

“But not a hair on your head will perish.”

Because of their eternal faith in Jesus, our brothers and sisters across the eastern world are put to death today.

“But not a hair on [their] head will perish.”

Now, it isn't that these things don’t matter or aren’t severe, Jesus here is just directing His disciples to a difficult concept that was yet to be grasped at this point (and even today) in His ministry: the resurrection. And the most beautiful and motivating part of all of this is that we will participate in this, too! [Revelation 20.4-6] That is where the power in these verses comes from. Jesus, the Son of Man, promises to all believers that He will return for us. That is the hope we have faith in: this type of love, that nothing on this earth can separate us from. But as Jesus says in v. 19, it is only by perseverance, endurance, and patience that we will truly experience this abundant life that only He offers [John 10.10].

[Luke 21.5-28]

Jesus Foretells Destruction of the Temple

5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not go after them. 9 And when you hear of wars and tumults, do not be terrified, for these things must first take place, but the end will not be at once.”

Jesus Foretells Wars and Persecution

10 Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in various places famines and pestilences. And there will be terrors and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives.

Jesus Foretells Destruction of Jerusalem

20 “But when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation has come near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside the city depart, and let not those who are out in the country enter it, 22 for these are days of vengeance, to fulfill all that is written. 23 Alas for women who are pregnant and for those who are nursing infants in those days! For there will be great distress upon the earth and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of the sword and be led captive among all nations, and Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

The Coming of the Son of Man

25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ Read Luke 12.4-12. This is a very important previous teaching from Jesus that relates to this. Does this clear up the seemingly confusing paradox?

+ Have all of these events and signs taken place?

+ Think about the phrase ‘So heavenly/earthly minded that you are of no earthly good.’ Does this align with Jesus’ life and teachings all throughout the Bible?

+ Why would God allow for all of these things to happen before Jesus comes back? This doesn’t seem like “abundant life”... [Think about the faith in the hope we are called to have]

+ What does v. 19 mean? What about v. 28?

+ Of course, Jesus doesn’t call us to be ignorant in how we live. But He does provide us the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us in being good stewards while we work His vineyard and prepare a harvest for His return.

+ If you have time today or sometime soon, read I Corinthians 15. The belief in the resurrection is what marks and fuels a believer.

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ What initial emotions does this passage arise within me? How can I place these under the authority and tender care of Jesus?

+ Do these verses cause me to desire something more in my life? Who can I share this with?

+ If I feel like I have been ‘lukewarm’ in my faith, where should I turn? How should I repent and live differently? What will motivate me and sustain me to move away from being ‘lukewarm’?

+ What is my hope? What does faith in this hope look like?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ With Advent quickly coming, let us prepare our hearts even now to intentionally reflect on, welcome, yearn for, and anticipate the coming of Christ.

+ I firmly believe that the time is coming in our country and world where action will be required from all true believers. We have been caught in our comforts here in America, and the merciful Lord is calling us to prepare. Who is alongside me to seek out what the Lord is doing and respond accordingly? How can we pave the way for the coming King?

+ Similarly, who in my life might require action on my part to share the Good News of Jesus to?