You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will have some of you put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of my name. Yet not a hair of your head will perish. By your endurance you will gain your lives.
Luke 21:16-19 NIV
In Luke 21, Jesus answered his disciple’s question about when the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple would occur. There are a variety of interpretations concerning Jesus’ response. Is it limited to the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70? Does it look ahead to the time of the end? Or do his words deal with the fall and destruction of Jerusalem as well as the time of the end?
Whichever view you take, Jesus’ words to his disciples in Luke 21:16-19 are appropriate for believers throughout the ages. If we have left our old life behind and are following Jesus, we should expect to face opposition from this world. And that opposition could even come from our immediate family.
Depending on when and where you live, that opposition could range from verbal abuse and insult up to death. We often seem shocked that someone would oppose us because of our faith in Christ. But we should expect it (John 15:20-21). And even rejoice when we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ (Acts 5:41).
But coming along with the warning that we will suffer is a promise to those who remain faithful. Not a hair of our heads will perish. Even if I am killed because I am a believer, I will suffer no loss. God will guard what I have entrusted to him (2 Tim. 1:12).
So, stand firm. Let nothing move you (1 Cor. 15:58). Finish the race set before you and receive the crown of righteousness that awaits all who look forward to Jesus’ return (2 Tim. 4:7-8).
