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In Luke 21:19, Jesus states, “In your patience, possess ye your souls.”  Jesus makes this statement within the context of His prophecy concerning the destruction of Jerusalem.  Jesus is traveling toward Jerusalem.  His death is near.  As He approaches the temple complex, He hears remarks of those nearby who are impressed with the construction of the temple.  Jesus takes this opportunity to reveal that the temple would be destroyed.  We know that this prophecy was fulfilled in 70 A.D.  Jesus warns His disciples that they would face persecution during this time.  Persecution would challenge their patience and test their grip on their own souls.
The Nature of Persecution
In Luke 21:12-19, Jesus focuses on different sources of persecution that the disciples would face.  In vv. 12-15, the persecution would come from religious and political sources.  In vv. 16-19, the persecution would come from their own family members who would betray them and general hatred of all men.  This betrayal by family members would stun and shock them.  It would leave them disillusioned and may even lead to their death.   Imagine the emotional and psychological impact this would have on them.  Persecution is designed by Satan to separate believers from Christ.  It acts as a wedge producing tension, stress and suffering in order to separate Christians from God.  The stress and suffering could be relieved by recanting one’s faith.  To hold on to one’s faith under such extreme circumstances involves mainting a firm grip on one’s soul.  Jesus asked, “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matt. 16:26).  Would you give up your soul to save your life?  Would you give up your soul to maintain family relationships?  Would you give up your soul to have the acceptance from enemies?  Persecution challenges faith and tests its strength.  It challenges our ability to endure.
The Need for Patience
The need for patience is affirmed by the Lord.  Patience is steadfast endurance.  We need steadfast endurance that secures the soul in times of suffering and persecution.  Persecution is painful.  Most of us want to get out of pain as quickly as possible.  In some situations, we may have to endure painful situations over long periods of time in order to secure our soul in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.  Endurance comes from faith (I John 5:4), love (I Cor. 13:4-8) and hope (Heb. 6:19).  Faith, love and hope form a three-fold chord that is not easily broken.  Also, the Holy Spirit strengthens us (Eph. 3:16), Christ strengthens us (Phil. 4:13 and Eph. 6:10).  When warring against Satan, we will need Christian graces and God’s help in order to be victorious.  In the strength of the Lord, we can secure our souls.
The Ultimate Prize
The ultimate prize is eternal life.  Our physical life might be lost in persecution, but through steadfast endurance we can reach the goal of everlasting life.  “In your patience possess ye your souls.”  Paul kept the prize before him at all times ( Phil. 3:13-14).  “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”  Keep a tight grip on your soul!  Keep a tight grip on God.  Keep a tight grip on heaven.  Don’t permit anything to come between you and your God.
Remember Jesus
The Lord does not ask His disciples to do anything He has not already done Himself.  Jesus suffered persecution.  Remember, the trials Jesus endured?  Remember the false witnesses that testified against Him?  Remember when they spat upon Him and mocked Him?  Remember the Roman beating? Remember the crown of thorns? Remember the blood shed?  Remember His death on the cross?  Jesus gave everything for us.  We must be willing to present our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him (Rom. 12:1-2).  “In your patience, possess ye your souls.”

In John 12:1-8, Jesus is in the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus for a meal.  Jesus often resorted to this home because of the love and friendship that He enjoyed there.  This event takes place not long after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.  During this meal, we learn of an extraordinary measure of devotion on the part of Mary.
Mary takes an expensive ointment (about a year’s wages in value) and anoints the feet of Jesus.  Her act was extraordinary in three ways:
1.     The gift was very expensive.  The pound of perfume made of pure nard was worth a year’s wages.  The amount of the gift is an indication of the love and devotion she had for the Lord.  Her love prompted sacrifice.
2.     The anointing of the feet was extraordinary.  Normally, one would anoint the head and wash the feet.  This was not an everyday occurrence in Palestine.  That makes the act unexpected and exceptional.  Her love prompted humility.
3.     Mary’s wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair is unusual.  It is more personal than a towel or her sleeve.  For Mary, devotion takes precedence over convention.  Her love was from the heart and involved giving herself.
True discipleship involves exceptional, extraordinary, unexpected love.  Mary’s love for the Lord is unleashed in a moment of honor and respect.  She is aware that Jesus’ death is near.  Jesus foretold His own death several times.  He clarified to the people present that Mary anointed Him against the day of His burial.  Jesus is keenly aware of His impending death.  The family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus have just experienced the death of Lazarus and the deep sadness associated with it.  They recovered from Lazarus’ death when they experienced great joy over his resurrection to life.  The miracle enhanced their understanding of who Jesus is.  That understanding enriched their faith and love for Him.  The result is an extraordinary act of devotion!
Love can take any moment and make it extraordinary.  That is why love is the true mark of discipleship. We need to love without limits!