Strength to Endure

Luke 21 is commonly called the “Little Apocalypse," since it is just a chapter. There, Jesus describes Rome’s conquest of Jerusalem and its tragic impact on Jewish society, including Jesus’ followers. He frames the conquest as a time of judgement and vengeance upon Israel, which occurs within a larger framework of his eventual return and the judgement and renewal of the world that ensue.  

These are hard words about distressing events. Jesus wants his followers to understand what will happen and how to prepare. He is not subtle. Rather, he spells out in detail the tests and trials that will befall his disciples.  He concludes with an exhortation: “watch yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down…”  

Jesus says that we should attend to our hearts. He isn’t being sentimental. Rather, he is showing us how to cultivate the strength to endure.