Mark 13:11

“But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”

Context: Let’s do a Bible study on Mark 13:11, using the King James Version (KJV) translation.

Mark 13:11 says: “But when they shall lead you, and deliver you up, take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate: but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.”

This verse is part of a larger passage known as the Olivet Discourse, where Jesus is teaching His disciples about the signs of the end times and the persecution that they will face as followers of Him. In this particular verse, Jesus is preparing His disciples for the challenges they will encounter when they are arrested and brought before authorities for their faith.

Here are a few key points to consider in understanding this verse:

• 1. Trust in God’s guidance: Jesus reassures His disciples that they do not need to worry about what to say when they are brought before their accusers. Instead of premeditating or worrying about their defence, they are to trust in God’s guidance. This instruction emphasises the importance of relying on the Holy Spirit to speak through them in difficult situations.
• 2. The role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus states that it is not the disciples themselves who will speak, but rather, it will be the Holy Spirit speaking through them. This highlights the empowering presence and work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. It signifies that when facing challenging circumstances, the Holy Spirit will provide the necessary wisdom and words to testify on behalf of the disciples.
• 3. Present-moment reliance: Jesus instructs His disciples not to take thought beforehand about what they will say. Instead, they are to rely on God’s provision in the very moment they are confronted. This teaches us the value of living in the present moment, relying on God’s guidance, and not being burdened by unnecessary worries about the future.
• 4. Application for believers: While this verse was spoken directly to Jesus’ disciples in the context of their future persecution, it also carries broader implications for believers today. It reminds us of the promise of the Holy Spirit’s guidance and support in our own lives. When we face challenges, opposition, or opportunities to share our faith, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will empower us with the words we need.