1. He looked up and saw the rich dropping their offerings into the temple treasury.
2. He also saw a poor widow dropping in two tiny coins.
3. “I tell you the truth,” He said. “This poor widow has put in more than all of them.
4. For all these people have put in gifts out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
5. As some were talking about the temple complex, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts dedicated to God, He said,
6. “These things that you see — the days will come when not one stone will be left on another that will not be thrown down! ”
7. “Teacher,” they asked Him, “so when will these things be? And what will be the sign when these things are about to take place? ”
8. Then He said, “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Don’t follow them.
9. When you hear of wars and rebellions, don’t be alarmed. Indeed, these things must take place first, but the end won’t come right away.”
10. Then He told them: “Nation will be raised up against nation, and kingdom against kingdom.
11. There will be violent earthquakes, and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be terrifying sights and great signs from heaven.
12. But before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and persecute you. They will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors because of My name.
13. It will lead to an opportunity for you to witness.
14. Therefore make up your minds not to prepare your defense ahead of time,
15. for I will give you such words and a wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.
16. You will even be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. They will kill some of you.