The Trials of a Disciple - Mark 13:11-13
The Trials of a Disciple - Mark 13:11-13
By Pastor Lee Hemen
January 09, 2011 AM
Americans are often accused of living sheltered lives. From the cradle to the grave we are encouraged not to personally think about the long-term effect of our actions, to immediately blame our lives on society, or to be completely dependent upon others to bail us out. We live in fractured relationships thinking that by getting rid of old-fashioned social stigmas we will experience true love. We do not plan for the future believing that the government should take care of us and death is something to be avoided at all cost and not talked about.
This is true to a certain extent where Christians are concerned as well. We have swallowed the lie that there should not be any consequences for our ungodly actions. That our faith practice is dependent upon how we feel, that as long as we think good thoughts about Jesus, God will love and honor our superficial compliance and one-day, by-and-by, welcome us home. However, here in Mark’s gospel, Jesus teaches his followers that his disciples will face trails they never thought possible. This is saying a lot since life during that day was often seen as short and cheap. Jesus relates that there would be trials for his disciples. Let’s begin to discover what Jesus taught and why as we look at the trials of a disciple…
READ: Mark 13:11-13
After just telling them that “the gospel must first be preached to all nations,” Jesus again reminds his listeners of the consequences of following him. Jesus is still answering their question of when the temple would be destroyed and what “signs” would occur. Verse 10 is therefore kind of an apex in Jesus’ theological discourse. We have to remind ourselves that Jesus is not answering questions concerning when he would eventually return, but rather telling them what would occur before the temple’s destruction.
(It is sad that I have to do this, but because of what has often passed as orthodox theology concerning this passage and its sister passages from Luke and Matthew, I feel we must be more informed. Westerners need to have things fall into neat little packages, as I explained last week. However, Eastern thought does not work that way and can become confusing for us Westerners if we do not understand this. Much of what is taught today is simply not true concerning this passage. Why would I say this? One must always look at Scripture in the context of when it was written, to whom it was written, and as to why it was written. Not for hidden messages, seeking after clues, or trying to decipher certain dates. Hebrew writers were never bothered or encumbered with getting numbers exactly right, dates in chronological order, or in using another writer’s descriptive vivid terms to convey their own prophecies. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they freely used all of the above. Therefore whether Jesus uses words from Daniel, or Ezekiel borrows descriptions from others, as does John, Joel, and Peter, it did not matter to them. And their use may not have anything to do with another writer’s vision at all. The terminology is simply borrowed for the impact it would have on the listener, to make us sit up and take notice.)
Therefore, Jesus continues by telling his followers that the temple would be destroyed and that…
I. The disciple will be hated by the world! (v. 13)
1. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (John 15:18 NIV) We cannot imagine what early Christians had to endure because of their faith. They lived in a completely paganistic society that had no Christian influence at all. The closest we can come to this kind of ungodly influence would be those believers who nowadays live in predominantly Muslim or Hindu countries. Many of these nations that are under these influences used to have very large Christian populations, but within the last decades they have dwindled because of severe persecution. Often, Christians have to submit or flee. Here in the United States the most believers face is having their faith seen as awkward or embarrassing. And usually, this describes how we feel, not those around us. We live where we all want to be loved and accepted. Secular America touts tolerance and multiculturalism, but allows hatred toward anything that hints at morality and decency. The authors at LifeWay write, "Increasingly, believers who take bold stands for the Lord face bitter opposition from a rival culture that considers itself morally superior, intellectually justified, and socially advanced. We may not want to admit it, but our current dominant culture despises the things of Christ." Over 30 years ago I wrote a warning about the homosexual movement in America. It would be taught as “normal” and redefine marriage. To think otherwise would be seen as hatred and intolerant. What I predicted has occurred. However, the Christian’s problem is not with an abnormal lifestyle or with an immoral nation, it is found in the hatred sinful folks have when boldly confronted with the light of the gospel. Sadly, fewer and fewer folks are not finding any fault with what the church nowadays preaches as the gospel. Notice Jesus does not mince any words with his followers. He bluntly tells them, “All men will hate you because of me.” The “all men” that Jesus spoke of, can include those who claim Christ but who are embarrassed by the gospel they claim to love. The world likes the gospel when it speaks of Jesus’ love but vilifies it when it reminds them that he is the only way, the only truth, and the only life and that no one comes to God but through him, (John 14:6) or if it exposes their sin. Notice Jesus adds “but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” He is not teaching you can lose your salvation, rather he is telling them what will occur after his death and the temple’s destruction. He is reminding them that the disciple will be hated by the world and they would need to “endure” until he either returned or they died.
EXAMPLE: Christianity is more than a means for us to feel good about ourselves. Instead of going into the world, too many churches do whatever it takes to get the world through its doors! Jesus warned that “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is,” he continued, “you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:19 NIV) We have mistakenly forgotten that although Jesus sends us into the world, we are not to be part of the world. (John 17:16, 18) Why then do so many Christians try so hard to gain the acceptance of the ungodly world instead of giving it the light of the gospel? Every time Christians have abdicated their responsibilities to be a light in a sin-darkened world and welcomed the world’s influence, the world has suffered. It suffered during the rise of Catholicism, the serfdom of the Middle Age, after the teaching that “God is dead,” and during the rise of socialism through Nazism and Communism. It was only after the church has repented of its sin, discovered reformation, was reawakened, and returned to the gospel has it experienced growth. Today’s church has little impact on society because its vision has been obscured by its love of the world. When the disciple is not hated by the world, there is something drastically wrong.
You may think, “Pastor Lee that is pretty harsh! Aren’t we supposed to loving and kind?” I never said the believer should not be, but far too often we equate sharing the gospel as just being “nice” to others. Christians can lie to the world by being so “nice” that they nicely watch those around them die eternally separated from God, by never actually sharing the good news. The truth is that if you are sharing the gospel, you will not always be liked. The gospel costs. So much so that Jesus also warned that…
II. The disciple will be betrayed by their own family! (v. 12)
1. Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. (Luke 12:51 NIV) It is bad enough when folks dislike you because of what you believe, but when your own family turns against you it can be devastating. We often find that those who claim God’s love, disowning any family member who accepts Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses become deaf, blind, and mute to family members who come to Christ. Literally family members can become anathema, abhorrent to their own kin because of Jesus. We find within the pages of the early church whole families torn apart because of one member’s faith in Christ. Nowadays we find drastic religious intolerance in Islam whenever anyone within a family turns to Christ. In most Islamic nations, to even carry a Bible or New Testament can result in imprisonment or death. According to Islamic law, any Muslim who leaves Islam loses custody of their children. The children are then placed with Muslim relatives where they are forced to embrace Islam again or die. Islam is the only world religion which demands that people who leave it should be killed. Very few Christians in America have experienced such extremes in their conversion of Christ. Often, we have completely forgotten that the cost involved in following Jesus can demand a high price. This was a very real hazard during the time of the early church. Jesus tells them, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.” Jesus knew that his disciples would be betrayed by their own families because of their faith in him. He wanted them to be prepared for the persecution to come. This is why he told them that the disciple will be betrayed by their own family!
EXAMPLE: Last November, a 17-year-old Muslim girl in Somalia who converted to Christianity was shot to death in an apparent “honor killing.” Nurta Mohamed Farah, who had fled her village to live with relatives after her parents tortured her for leaving Islam, died on November 25, 2010. Area sources said they strongly suspected that the two unidentified men who shot her in the chest and head with a pistol were relatives or acting on their behest. “Reports reached the relatives in that Nurta had converted to Christianity,” one source said. “The suspicion that her family is responsible is a solid one. The sister was killed in as well and the place where the incident took place is about 200 meters from where the sister was staying with relatives.” Relatives buried Farah, sources said. Her parents had severely beaten her for leaving Islam and regularly shackled her to a tree at their home. She had been confined to her home in the Gedo region in southern Somalia since May 10, when her family found out that she had embraced Christianity. Jesus knew this was what his followers faced as well. He knew that the disciple will be betrayed by their own family.
Many of us are frustrated when some of close friend or relative teases us or acts differently around us since our conversion to Christ. However, folks, that isn’t persecution nor is it betrayal. Jesus meant the believer would be actually persecuted or killed because of their faith. Yet, he also gave his followers hope even during these times of distress. He tells them that…
III. The disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence! (v. 11)
1. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26 NIV) The Holy Spirit is not some force, personal power source, or spiritual energizer. He is a person and part of the triune Godhead. He is given as the believer's seal as our assurance we are in Christ forever no matter what occurs to us! He is our partner in prayer and guide in life, our comfort and encourager. Notice that the job of the Holy Spirit would be so much more for those who would face persecution. Jesus knew that his disciples were going to face a very real threat. It would be a time of terror and great anguish for them personally. Not only would Israel cease to exist, the temple that the Hebrews saw as a wonder of God would be rubble! We can only compare it to our Nation’s capitol being utterly destroyed. Add to this that the person, whom they had followed for three and half years would be betrayed, illegally tried, convicted, and put to a horrendous death. He would not be there personally for them to go to and find comfort or understanding during dark times. If they were arrested for their faith how should they respond and how would they know what to say? So, Jesus begins this short section by reminding them that, “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11 NIV) The followers of Christ need not fear what to say when they are confronted for their faith; God would be there with them in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God with us as his children! We never need worry about what will happen to us, we need not be frightened by dark times, nor do we need to be afraid to speak the truth of God – he has provided his presence to us! Jesus promised that the disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence!
EXAMPLE: An African proverb states, “The one who asks questions doesn’t lose his way.” That concept can be helpful as we walk with God knowing the presence of the Holy Spirit guides us. We can pray, seek God’s face, and ask him for direction in our life. The Holy Spirit is not like some Jiminy Cricket who is a kind of conscience telling us what is right or wrong. Yes, he can and does work with our conscience but his advice is always in line with God’s word and what we know about God. Any question is not too big or hard for the Holy Spirit, we are just often more afraid or unwilling to wait for his guidance. No matter what happens, God never leaves us as orphans nor does he forsake his children. Jesus said that the disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence always.
Conclusion:
The disciple will be hated by the world! The disciple will be betrayed by their own family! The disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence!
----
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2011 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
By Pastor Lee Hemen
January 09, 2011 AM
Americans are often accused of living sheltered lives. From the cradle to the grave we are encouraged not to personally think about the long-term effect of our actions, to immediately blame our lives on society, or to be completely dependent upon others to bail us out. We live in fractured relationships thinking that by getting rid of old-fashioned social stigmas we will experience true love. We do not plan for the future believing that the government should take care of us and death is something to be avoided at all cost and not talked about.
This is true to a certain extent where Christians are concerned as well. We have swallowed the lie that there should not be any consequences for our ungodly actions. That our faith practice is dependent upon how we feel, that as long as we think good thoughts about Jesus, God will love and honor our superficial compliance and one-day, by-and-by, welcome us home. However, here in Mark’s gospel, Jesus teaches his followers that his disciples will face trails they never thought possible. This is saying a lot since life during that day was often seen as short and cheap. Jesus relates that there would be trials for his disciples. Let’s begin to discover what Jesus taught and why as we look at the trials of a disciple…
READ: Mark 13:11-13
After just telling them that “the gospel must first be preached to all nations,” Jesus again reminds his listeners of the consequences of following him. Jesus is still answering their question of when the temple would be destroyed and what “signs” would occur. Verse 10 is therefore kind of an apex in Jesus’ theological discourse. We have to remind ourselves that Jesus is not answering questions concerning when he would eventually return, but rather telling them what would occur before the temple’s destruction.
(It is sad that I have to do this, but because of what has often passed as orthodox theology concerning this passage and its sister passages from Luke and Matthew, I feel we must be more informed. Westerners need to have things fall into neat little packages, as I explained last week. However, Eastern thought does not work that way and can become confusing for us Westerners if we do not understand this. Much of what is taught today is simply not true concerning this passage. Why would I say this? One must always look at Scripture in the context of when it was written, to whom it was written, and as to why it was written. Not for hidden messages, seeking after clues, or trying to decipher certain dates. Hebrew writers were never bothered or encumbered with getting numbers exactly right, dates in chronological order, or in using another writer’s descriptive vivid terms to convey their own prophecies. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit they freely used all of the above. Therefore whether Jesus uses words from Daniel, or Ezekiel borrows descriptions from others, as does John, Joel, and Peter, it did not matter to them. And their use may not have anything to do with another writer’s vision at all. The terminology is simply borrowed for the impact it would have on the listener, to make us sit up and take notice.)
Therefore, Jesus continues by telling his followers that the temple would be destroyed and that…
I. The disciple will be hated by the world! (v. 13)
1. If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (John 15:18 NIV) We cannot imagine what early Christians had to endure because of their faith. They lived in a completely paganistic society that had no Christian influence at all. The closest we can come to this kind of ungodly influence would be those believers who nowadays live in predominantly Muslim or Hindu countries. Many of these nations that are under these influences used to have very large Christian populations, but within the last decades they have dwindled because of severe persecution. Often, Christians have to submit or flee. Here in the United States the most believers face is having their faith seen as awkward or embarrassing. And usually, this describes how we feel, not those around us. We live where we all want to be loved and accepted. Secular America touts tolerance and multiculturalism, but allows hatred toward anything that hints at morality and decency. The authors at LifeWay write, "Increasingly, believers who take bold stands for the Lord face bitter opposition from a rival culture that considers itself morally superior, intellectually justified, and socially advanced. We may not want to admit it, but our current dominant culture despises the things of Christ." Over 30 years ago I wrote a warning about the homosexual movement in America. It would be taught as “normal” and redefine marriage. To think otherwise would be seen as hatred and intolerant. What I predicted has occurred. However, the Christian’s problem is not with an abnormal lifestyle or with an immoral nation, it is found in the hatred sinful folks have when boldly confronted with the light of the gospel. Sadly, fewer and fewer folks are not finding any fault with what the church nowadays preaches as the gospel. Notice Jesus does not mince any words with his followers. He bluntly tells them, “All men will hate you because of me.” The “all men” that Jesus spoke of, can include those who claim Christ but who are embarrassed by the gospel they claim to love. The world likes the gospel when it speaks of Jesus’ love but vilifies it when it reminds them that he is the only way, the only truth, and the only life and that no one comes to God but through him, (John 14:6) or if it exposes their sin. Notice Jesus adds “but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.” He is not teaching you can lose your salvation, rather he is telling them what will occur after his death and the temple’s destruction. He is reminding them that the disciple will be hated by the world and they would need to “endure” until he either returned or they died.
EXAMPLE: Christianity is more than a means for us to feel good about ourselves. Instead of going into the world, too many churches do whatever it takes to get the world through its doors! Jesus warned that “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is,” he continued, “you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:19 NIV) We have mistakenly forgotten that although Jesus sends us into the world, we are not to be part of the world. (John 17:16, 18) Why then do so many Christians try so hard to gain the acceptance of the ungodly world instead of giving it the light of the gospel? Every time Christians have abdicated their responsibilities to be a light in a sin-darkened world and welcomed the world’s influence, the world has suffered. It suffered during the rise of Catholicism, the serfdom of the Middle Age, after the teaching that “God is dead,” and during the rise of socialism through Nazism and Communism. It was only after the church has repented of its sin, discovered reformation, was reawakened, and returned to the gospel has it experienced growth. Today’s church has little impact on society because its vision has been obscured by its love of the world. When the disciple is not hated by the world, there is something drastically wrong.
You may think, “Pastor Lee that is pretty harsh! Aren’t we supposed to loving and kind?” I never said the believer should not be, but far too often we equate sharing the gospel as just being “nice” to others. Christians can lie to the world by being so “nice” that they nicely watch those around them die eternally separated from God, by never actually sharing the good news. The truth is that if you are sharing the gospel, you will not always be liked. The gospel costs. So much so that Jesus also warned that…
II. The disciple will be betrayed by their own family! (v. 12)
1. Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. (Luke 12:51 NIV) It is bad enough when folks dislike you because of what you believe, but when your own family turns against you it can be devastating. We often find that those who claim God’s love, disowning any family member who accepts Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Latter Day Saints and Jehovah’s Witnesses become deaf, blind, and mute to family members who come to Christ. Literally family members can become anathema, abhorrent to their own kin because of Jesus. We find within the pages of the early church whole families torn apart because of one member’s faith in Christ. Nowadays we find drastic religious intolerance in Islam whenever anyone within a family turns to Christ. In most Islamic nations, to even carry a Bible or New Testament can result in imprisonment or death. According to Islamic law, any Muslim who leaves Islam loses custody of their children. The children are then placed with Muslim relatives where they are forced to embrace Islam again or die. Islam is the only world religion which demands that people who leave it should be killed. Very few Christians in America have experienced such extremes in their conversion of Christ. Often, we have completely forgotten that the cost involved in following Jesus can demand a high price. This was a very real hazard during the time of the early church. Jesus tells them, “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death.” Jesus knew that his disciples would be betrayed by their own families because of their faith in him. He wanted them to be prepared for the persecution to come. This is why he told them that the disciple will be betrayed by their own family!
EXAMPLE: Last November, a 17-year-old Muslim girl in Somalia who converted to Christianity was shot to death in an apparent “honor killing.” Nurta Mohamed Farah, who had fled her village to live with relatives after her parents tortured her for leaving Islam, died on November 25, 2010. Area sources said they strongly suspected that the two unidentified men who shot her in the chest and head with a pistol were relatives or acting on their behest. “Reports reached the relatives in that Nurta had converted to Christianity,” one source said. “The suspicion that her family is responsible is a solid one. The sister was killed in as well and the place where the incident took place is about 200 meters from where the sister was staying with relatives.” Relatives buried Farah, sources said. Her parents had severely beaten her for leaving Islam and regularly shackled her to a tree at their home. She had been confined to her home in the Gedo region in southern Somalia since May 10, when her family found out that she had embraced Christianity. Jesus knew this was what his followers faced as well. He knew that the disciple will be betrayed by their own family.
Many of us are frustrated when some of close friend or relative teases us or acts differently around us since our conversion to Christ. However, folks, that isn’t persecution nor is it betrayal. Jesus meant the believer would be actually persecuted or killed because of their faith. Yet, he also gave his followers hope even during these times of distress. He tells them that…
III. The disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence! (v. 11)
1. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. (John 14:26 NIV) The Holy Spirit is not some force, personal power source, or spiritual energizer. He is a person and part of the triune Godhead. He is given as the believer's seal as our assurance we are in Christ forever no matter what occurs to us! He is our partner in prayer and guide in life, our comfort and encourager. Notice that the job of the Holy Spirit would be so much more for those who would face persecution. Jesus knew that his disciples were going to face a very real threat. It would be a time of terror and great anguish for them personally. Not only would Israel cease to exist, the temple that the Hebrews saw as a wonder of God would be rubble! We can only compare it to our Nation’s capitol being utterly destroyed. Add to this that the person, whom they had followed for three and half years would be betrayed, illegally tried, convicted, and put to a horrendous death. He would not be there personally for them to go to and find comfort or understanding during dark times. If they were arrested for their faith how should they respond and how would they know what to say? So, Jesus begins this short section by reminding them that, “Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 13:11 NIV) The followers of Christ need not fear what to say when they are confronted for their faith; God would be there with them in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God with us as his children! We never need worry about what will happen to us, we need not be frightened by dark times, nor do we need to be afraid to speak the truth of God – he has provided his presence to us! Jesus promised that the disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence!
EXAMPLE: An African proverb states, “The one who asks questions doesn’t lose his way.” That concept can be helpful as we walk with God knowing the presence of the Holy Spirit guides us. We can pray, seek God’s face, and ask him for direction in our life. The Holy Spirit is not like some Jiminy Cricket who is a kind of conscience telling us what is right or wrong. Yes, he can and does work with our conscience but his advice is always in line with God’s word and what we know about God. Any question is not too big or hard for the Holy Spirit, we are just often more afraid or unwilling to wait for his guidance. No matter what happens, God never leaves us as orphans nor does he forsake his children. Jesus said that the disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence always.
Conclusion:
The disciple will be hated by the world! The disciple will be betrayed by their own family! The disciple will have the Holy Spirit’s power and presence!
----
Pastor Lee Hemen has been the outspoken pastor of the same church for 25 years in Vancouver, WA. He writes regularly on spirituality and conservative causes and maintains several web blogs. This article is copyrighted © 2011 by Lee Hemen and is the sole property of Lee Hemen, and may not be used unless you quote the entire article and have my permission.
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