# Connecting Statement:

Jesus finishes teaching his disciples.

# be alert

"be ready for my coming"

# strong enough to escape all these things

Possible meanings are 1) "strong enough to endure these things" or 2) "able to avoid these things."

# these things that will take place

"these things that will happen." Jesus had just told them about terrible things that would happen such as persecution, war, and captivity.

# to stand before the Son of Man

"to stand with confidence before the Son of Man." This probably refers to when the Son of Man judges everyone. A person who is not ready will be afraid of the Son of Man and will not stand with confidence.