NARRATOR: Some people were talking about the temple and how it was adorned with precious stones and votive offerings.
JESUS: These things you are talking about—the day will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be torn down.
PEOPLE: When will this occur, Teacher? And what will be the sign it is going to happen?
JESUS 1: Take care not to be misled. Many will come in my name, saying, “I am he,” and, “The time is at hand.” Do not run after them.
JESUS 2: When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be terrified. These things must happen first, but the end will not follow at once. Nations will rise against nations and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, plagues, and famines, and in the sky dreadful omens and great signs.
JESUS 3: But before any of this, people will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to synagogues and prisons and bring you to trial before rulers and governors, all because of my name. You will be brought to give witness on account of me. So make up your minds not to worry about your defense beforehand, for I will give you words and a wisdom which none of your adversaries can take exception to or contradict.
JESUS 4: You will be handed over even by your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and some of you will be put to death. All will hate you because of me, yet not a hair of your head will be harmed. By patient endurance you will save your lives.
Luke 21.5-19
Sunday Readings: Malachi 3.19-20; 2 Thessalonians 3.7-12; Luke 21.5-19