Mark 13:11-13 - Enduring to the End

Mark 13:11-13
11 When they arrest you and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but it is the Holy Spirit. 12 Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. 13 You will be hated by all because of My name, but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.

Message: Enduring to the End

Time: Mark's personal connection with Peter gave him the source material for this book. This book was composed probably between AD 57 and AD 59. It's a book that is on the move, leading to the cross. 39 times is the word 'immediately' used. Mark reveals Jesus as God's servant, reaching into the lives of people and effecting physical and circumstantial change.

What the Lord is Saying:

Preface - Jesus is on the Mount of Olives and delivering a message to his disciples and followers, a prophecy of the destruction of the temple and different things that will take place. He has just mentioned that people will be delivered over to the synagogue officials, governors, kings, for His sake. This is what awaited the first-century disciples after His ascension. Christians are not simply to wait but to be active in bearing witness to the World. We can take these messages as well and apply them to today as we await the final judgment of all people, though those words were fulfilled in the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

The disciples would learn in this message that the Holy Spirit would speak for them When they arrest you and hand you over,as mentioned in the previous verses. They do not need to fret or be frightened and neither do I. do not worry beforehand about what you are to say, but say whatever is given you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. As we encounter difficulties in life we tend to get obsessed about our response, but Jesus wants us to focus instead on staying obedient to our calling and what He is doing in our lives and let Him take care of the words that we are to say. We can be confident in the Lord and that He will speak.

And in those perilous times of being accused and beaten, Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; and children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. The disciples should not think that they would at least have the acceptance and support of their family members because in these times they will be betrayed by family. I think something must definitely occur in people when we are close to death, when we fear that our life is on the line or that we are imprisoned. We tend to go into self-protect mode. I wonder often how I would respond in these situations. Would I let things occur or come to the aid of my family, if it was my brother or mom or other near relatives? I hope that my focus would be on Christ.

Jesus lets the disciples know beforehand that these betrayals will occur so that perhaps they can be better prepared for when they do occur. You will be hated by all because of My name. Again, this is a sobering truth. In these times of wanting to be popular is the reminder that instead we will be hated. I see a church today that is being more compromising in their beliefs with the idea that they are accepting of people. The few that stand their ground seem to be alienated. When we come to Christ we give our all, but many of us struggle with this and want to remain attached the creature comforts of our world. Our aim often is not complete adherence but adherence as long as safety, security, and comfort are not jeopardized. This world I notice is increasing in their abandonment of fearing God. More and more we are falling into subtle indifference. The family is no longer about a husband and wife, a man and a woman, but same sexes and changing sexes are here. Idolatry is rampant as many things are taking place of bible study and prayer. Church is not a priority for many, but simply a nice thing to do, if you have time. Truth is changing for a standard law to a personal low. Each person's truth is said to be acceptable and tolerable. The fair treatment of all people has become the greatest ideal. Often we spend our lives protecting life rather than ministering to others. I find my days are centered more on going through the motions. I'm not sure I am hated because I'm not really standing for truth. I wanting people to like me and value me so that comes at the expense often of being true to my calling in Christ.

Jesus records these words - but the one who endures to the end, he will be saved. Life is found in endurance. Life is not a sprint, but a journey. Our goal then is to make it to the end and the believing Christian will make it to the end. We are quick to say that we are not saved by works, but believing Christians do work to the end. Though Salvation is not based upon those works, a working Christian is a true follower of Christ.

Summary - Jesus sends forth a tough message here stating that difficulties will arise and they will be present. The disciples do not need to be shocked for even their family members will betray them as they are hurled into courts and prison time because of their faith. They will be hated but as a believer in Christ, a true believe, our lives are marked by endurance to eternal salvation.

Promise: Our Lord is focused on our future at all times. I think we are too focused on our now.

Prayer: Lord, I pray that I am not one of these people that betray another Christian, but Lord I pray instead that I would rely on your divine grace and will.