But you be on guard. now, I have told you everything beforehand.”
Jesus again emphasizes the command to be watchful. He tells the dangers beforehand so that the disciples will not be surprised or stumble in the time of testing. A word spoken in advance is great mercy: the Lord does not leave His people in darkness, but lights their path. When trials come to pass, the believer can remember that the Lord knew them and had declared them from the beginning. This strengthens faith, because it shows that the course of history is not accidental, but is under the knowledge and authority of Christ.