How does Daniel 11:33 connect with Jesus' teachings on discipleship? “Those who have insight among the people will give understanding to many; yet they will fall by the sword and by flame, and by captivity and by plunder for days.” The Immediate Picture in Daniel 11:33 • “Those who have insight” – believers granted wisdom by God • “Give understanding to many” – active teaching and discipling • “Yet they will fall” – suffering, persecution, even death • “For days” – a predetermined but limited season under God’s sovereignty Jesus’ Core Teachings on Discipleship • Luke 9:23 – “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • John 15:20 – “A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well.” • Matthew 24:9–14 – End-time endurance and gospel proclamation amid hostility • Luke 14:27 – Discipleship includes bearing one’s own cross • Matthew 28:19–20 – Command to “make disciples… teaching them” Where Daniel 11:33 and Jesus Meet • Costly Witness – Daniel anticipates faithful believers teaching truth at personal cost. – Jesus calls disciples to accept suffering as a normal part of following Him. • Instruction at the Center – Both passages emphasize communicating God’s revelation to “many.” – Teaching is not optional; it is integral to true discipleship. • Perseverance Under Fire – Daniel speaks of falling “for days,” hinting at endurance. – Jesus stresses “the one who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 24:13). • Divine Limitation of Suffering – Daniel notes a set period; God remains in control. – Jesus assures in Matthew 24:22 that “those days will be cut short” for the sake of the elect. • Kingdom Perspective – Daniel looks beyond immediate loss to ultimate vindication (Daniel 12:2-3). – Jesus promises reward: “Great is your reward in heaven” (Matthew 5:12). Practical Takeaways for Modern Disciples • Expect opposition when sharing biblical truth; it confirms Christ’s words. • Prepare to teach others diligently, trusting God to supply insight. • View hardship as temporary and purposeful, not accidental or wasted. • Anchor courage in the sovereign timetable God reveals in both Daniel and the Gospels. • Let future resurrection hope (Daniel 12:2; John 11:25-26) fuel present faithfulness. |
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