“But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36). Here, Jesus calls the disciples to live watchful lives of continuous prayer and points them to their ultimate hope, salvation on the last day.

In Luke 21, Jesus responds to a question about the signs of the end, “…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. This will be your opportunity to bear witness” (Luke 21:12-13).

Later in the same passage, Jesus concludes, “But stay awake at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that are going to take place and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36). Here, Jesus calls the disciples to live watchful lives of continuous prayer and points them to their ultimate hope, salvation on the last day.

Have you ever considered how these words must have landed on the disciples? Jesus paints them a bleak picture, assuring them their futures would include persecution and difficulty. He even got specific: They will abuse you. They will treat you like violent criminals. This is all part of my plan.

Perhaps the thought crossed their minds, “Jesus, might there be a way to serve you that doesn’t include pain and suffering?” We know from early church history that Jesus’ words did come true for each of them. Their lives from that moment got harder, not easier. They suffered, bore witness to Christ’s Gospel, remained faithful unto death, and are now present with the Lord awaiting the last day.

I wonder how the disciples kept themselves from responding to this difficult news with discouragement, sadness, and depression?

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