"will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name."(Luke. 21:17)

"will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name."(Luke.
21:17)
***************************
Usually people would go after a leader only if they are promised with some worldly benefits such as wealth and income.

But Jesus is different.

He promises His followers

sufferings,

persecution,

imprisonment,

loss of dear ones

and finally death.

"If any man has a mind to come my way, let him renounce self, and take up his cross, and follow me." (Matthew. 16:24)

"You will be given up by parents and brethren and kinsmen and friends,"

"all the world will be hating you because you bear my name;"

The path of Jesus is not a bed of roses, but of thorns.

As is the leader so must be the followers.

Jesus' whole life was a way of the cross.

His first bed after His birth was a manger, which was meant for animals .

His last death bed was a wooden cross, which was meant for culprits.

Jesus was born to suffer and die for our sins.

Only when we suffer for the same reason Jesus suffered for we resemble Him.

All His disciples were hated and persecuted by those who hated Jesus.

All His disciples

who were called by Him to continue His work of salvation

first left their dear ones at home

and then followed Him.

Many of them became martyrs in order to be faithful to Jesus.

As we are the followers of 'suffering Christ'

we  should also be 'suffering followers.'

But we don't suffer for nothing.

If we die to this world with Him, we will rise with Him into the next world.

If we lose our life in this world for Him,

we will gain eternal life in heaven. 

Our suffering in this world is temporary.

Our reward for our suffering will be eternal.

"Blessed are those

who suffer persecution in the cause of right;

the kingdom of heaven is theirs."(Matthew.5:10)

Lourdu Selvam.