New Testament in a Year

21 As he stood in the Temple, he was watching the rich tossing their gifts into the collection box. ² Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small copper coins.

³ “Really,” he remarked, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them combined. ⁴ For they have given a little of what they didn’t need, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”

⁵ Some of his disciples began talking about the beautiful stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls.

⁶ But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all these things you are admiring will be knocked down, and not one stone will be left on top of another; all will become one vast heap of rubble.”

⁷ “Master!” they exclaimed. “When? And will there be any warning ahead of time?”

⁸ He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you. For many will come announcing themselves as the Messiah,^[a] and saying, ‘The time has come.’ But don’t believe them! ⁹ And when you hear of wars and insurrections beginning, don’t panic. True, wars must come, but the end won’t follow immediately— ¹⁰ for nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, ¹¹ and there will be great earthquakes, and famines in many lands, and epidemics, and terrifying things happening in the heavens.

¹² “But before all this occurs, there will be a time of special persecution, and you will be dragged into synagogues and prisons and before kings and governors for my name’s sake. ¹³ But as a result, the Messiah will be widely known and honored.^{[b] 14} Therefore, don’t be concerned about how to answer the charges against you, ¹⁵ for I will give you the right words and such logic that none of your opponents will be able to reply! ¹⁶ Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends will betray you and have you arrested; and some of you will be killed. ¹⁷ And everyone will hate you because you are mine and are called by my name. ¹⁸ But not a hair of your head will perish! ¹⁹ For if you stand firm, you will win your souls.