What Jesus Did! 'Family Betrayal' — Mark 13:12

Monday, September 23, 2024

[Jesus continued,] "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed."
— Mark 13:12 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus warned that those loyal to him could find themselves having to choose between their family and their faith, between their circle of friends and their faith. As the hostility of living in a fallen world breaks upon us, betrayal will strike very close to the hearts of believers just as it did to the Savior. We shouldn't be surprised that some in our own family would betray us if one of Jesus' handpicked apostles did the same to him.

Today's Prayer

O Master and God, please help me to be strong enough to withstand the betrayal of those close to me and to continue to love them as Jesus would. Please let me never outlive my love for your Son. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • John 15:18-21
  • 1 John 3:11-13
  • Luke 14:25-27

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Illustration

Illustration of Mark 13:12 NLT — [Jesus continued,] "A brother will betray his brother to death, a father will betray his own child, and children will rebel against their parents and cause them to be killed."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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