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While Jesus was in the Temple, he watched the rich people dropping their gifts in the collection box.
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Then a poor widow came by and dropped in two small coins.
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“I tell you the truth,” Jesus said, “this poor widow has given more than all the rest of them.
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For they have given a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has.”
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Some of his disciples began talking about the majestic stonework of the Temple and the memorial decorations on the walls. But Jesus said,
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“The time is coming when all these things will be completely demolished. Not one stone will be left on top of another!”
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“Teacher,” they asked, “when will all this happen? What sign will show us that these things are about to take place?”
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He replied, “Don’t let anyone mislead you, for many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and saying, ‘The time has come!’ But don’t believe them.
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And when you hear of wars and insurrections, don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place first, but the end won’t follow immediately.”
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Then he added, “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
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There will be great earthquakes, and there will be famines and plagues in many lands, and there will be terrifying things and great miraculous signs from heaven.
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“But before all this occurs, there will be a time of great persecution. You will be dragged into synagogues and prisons, and you will stand trial before kings and governors because you are my followers.
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But this will be your opportunity to tell them about me.
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So don’t worry in advance about how to answer the charges against you,
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for I will give you the right words and such wisdom that none of your opponents will be able to reply or refute you!
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Even those closest to you—your parents, brothers, relatives, and friends—will betray you. They will even kill some of you.
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And everyone will hate you because you are my followers.
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But not a hair of your head will perish!
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By standing firm, you will win your souls.
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“And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you will know that the time of its destruction has arrived.
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Then those in Judea must flee to the hills. Those in Jerusalem must get out, and those out in the country should not return to the city.
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For those will be days of God’s vengeance, and the prophetic words of the Scriptures will be fulfilled.
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How terrible it will be for pregnant women and for nursing mothers in those days. For there will be disaster in the land and great anger against this people.