45As all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, 46“Beware of the experts in the law. They like walking around in long robes, and they love elaborate greetings in the marketplaces and the best seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. 47They devour widows’ property, and as a show make long prayers. They will receive a more severe punishment.”
1Jesus looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the offering box. 2He also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. 3He said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put in more than all of them. 4For they all offered their gifts out of their wealth. But she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had to live on.”
5Now while some were speaking about the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and offerings, Jesus said, 6“As for these things that you are gazing at, the days will come when not one stone will be left on another. All will be torn down!” 7So they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that these things are about to take place?” 8He said, “Watch out that you are not misled. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them! 9And when you hear of wars and rebellions, do not be afraid. For these things must happen first, but the end will not come at once.”
10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise up in arms against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12But before all this, they will seize you and persecute you, handing you over to the synagogues and prisons. You will be brought before kings and governors because of my name. 13This will be a time for you to serve as witnesses. 14Therefore be resolved not to rehearse ahead of time how to make your defense. 15For I will give you the words along with the wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will have some of you put to death. 17You will be hated by everyone because of my name. 18Yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will gain your lives.