A Serving Leadership Insight from the Life of Jesus Christ (Mark 13:12-13)

“Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:12-13)

In Mark 13:12–13, Jesus painted a bleak picture of rejection on his account, including that by family members: “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.” Perhaps no testing is quite so severe as when one is betrayed and rejected by one’s own flesh and blood. Yet loyalty to Christ and his kingdom require a total allegiance regardless of the cost. Serving leaders are dedicated to their Audience of One, serving a higher cause than simply keeping people happy. Jesus continued, “Everyone will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” One must always decipher between hatred of Christ and rejection due to a misrepresentation of him. Do not claim persecution when you are to blame. Finally, a word of promise: salvation is secure for those faithful to Christ to the end of their lives.

KEY QUESTIONS: When have I experienced rejection by a family member or close friend? Did I seek consolation in Christ or did I despair and become bitter? Have I ever claimed persecution when I was to blame? What steps will I take today to remain faithful to the end?