The story of the church has often been one of persecution, and still is. Although the early phases of Christ's ministry and the first days of the Early Church were sweetened by the crowds' approval, hostility against them increased and most of the disciples died through violence. So this briefing by Jesus was to prepare them, and us, for the hard realities of life in a world that rejects His authority.
 
Persecution is not only about individuals being unpleasant to believers, it is corporate. People in authority decide that Jesus shall not have influence in their company, tribe, institution or country; and they take whatever measures are necessary to achieve their objectives. Or they will declare that all faiths are equal, and can only be expressed as permitted by the authorities. They may encourage people to spy on each other, or give prominence to attractive false prophets who they hope to control. Whatever the method, they are satisfied as long as Jesus is not obeyed as Lord.
 
The result is that cultural-Christians, who have little personal love for the Saviour, soon renounce their 'faith'. Society becomes openly sceptical or antagonistic towards believers and godly moral restraint gives way to wickedness (which is seen as normal). But at the same time, true believers know that their relationship with Jesus cannot be sacrificed on the altar of community approval. Despite the danger they persist in standing with Jesus, following Jesus, and more than that - proclaiming Jesus. The result is that the 'testimony to all nations' has borne much fruit. And the church is strongest where persecution has blown away the chaff and purified the gold.
 
The tough challenge issued by Jesus to His disciples is a current reality to millions of believers around the globe. What should the Jesus people do? Stand firm to the end and keep on proclaiming the gospel! True disciples have not received Christ because He makes them feel better, but because they accept His authority … because they know that He is the truth. They dare to announce Jesus because He is the only way. They are even willing to face death because He is the life. They love their persecutors and want them to be saved as well. Let us ask the Lord to give us the courage to love Him and His rebellious world like that. Jesus did.