This verse contains Jesus' instructions to His disciples regarding the trials they would face and the guidance they would receive from the Holy Spirit as they proclaim the Gospel. He encourages them not to be anxious or worry about what they will say when they are brought before authorities, but rather to trust in the Holy Spirit to provide them with the necessary words at the appointed time.
Jesus begins by acknowledging that His disciples will face opposition and persecution. They will be led away and delivered up, facing trials and challenges for their faith. However, He urges them not to be anxious beforehand or premeditate their responses. Instead, He assures them that they will be given the words they need to speak in that very hour.
The instruction to not be anxious reflects Jesus' concern for His disciples' well-being. He knows that anxiety can cloud judgment and hinder effective communication. By urging them not to worry, He encourages them to place their trust in God's provision and guidance.
Jesus assures His disciples that when the time comes, it will not be their own words that they speak, but the words given to them by the Holy Spirit. This highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping and empowering believers to boldly proclaim the Gospel. The Holy Spirit works within us, providing the wisdom, insight, and courage needed to effectively communicate the truth of God's Word.
The message of Mark 13:11 is twofold. First, it reminds us of the importance of trust and reliance on God's guidance in times of trial. Just as Jesus assured His disciples that they would be given the right words to speak, we too can trust in the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in our lives. We can find comfort in knowing that God equips us for the challenges we face, providing us with the necessary wisdom and strength.
Secondly, this verse underscores the importance of being present in the moment and trusting in the Holy Spirit's leading. Jesus instructs His disciples not to premeditate what they will say. This does not imply that we should neglect preparation or study of God's Word, but rather that in moments of trial, we should rely on the Holy Spirit's immediate guidance. It emphasizes the need for sensitivity to the leading of the Spirit and a willingness to surrender our own plans and ideas to follow His direction.
As believers, we can apply the wisdom of Mark 13:11 to our own lives. We may encounter situations where our faith is challenged, and we are called to share the message of the Gospel. In those moments, we can find comfort in knowing that we do not need to rely solely on our own abilities or clever arguments. The Holy Spirit will provide us with the right words to speak, guiding us in what to say and how to say it.
In conclusion, Mark 13:11 teaches us about trust in God's provision and the role of the Holy Spirit in equipping us to face trials and proclaim the Gospel. It encourages us to not be anxious or premeditate what we will say, but rather to rely on the Holy Spirit's guidance in the very moment we need it. May we, like the disciples, trust in the Holy Spirit's leading and allow His words to flow through us as we share the message of God's love and salvation with others.
Mark 13:11. “When they lead you away and deliver you up, don’t be anxious beforehand, or premeditate what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit.”