What other scriptures discuss familial betrayal in the context of faith? The Warning in Mark 13:12 “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against their parents and have them put to death.” Parallel Teachings From Jesus • Matthew 10:21-22 – “Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child; children will rise against their parents and have them killed. And you will be hated by everyone on account of My name, but the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.” • Luke 21:16-17 – “You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. You will be hated by everyone because of My name.” • Matthew 10:34-36 – “Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth… ‘a man against his father, a daughter against her mother… a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’” • Luke 12:51-53 – “From now on, five in one household will be divided… father against son and son against father…” • Luke 14:26 – “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters—yes, even his own life—he cannot be My disciple.” Old Testament Foreshadows • Micah 7:5-6 – “Put no trust in a neighbor… a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother… a man’s enemies are the members of his own household.” • Deuteronomy 13:6-10 – Even the closest relatives must be rejected if they entice toward idolatry. • Zechariah 13:3 – Parents pierce through a son who prophesies falsely in the Lord’s name. New Testament Apostolic Warnings • 2 Timothy 3:1-4 – “In the last days terrible times will come. People will be… disobedient to their parents… without natural affection…” • 1 Peter 4:3-4 – Former companions (often relatives) “heap abuse” when believers no longer join sinful practices. Key Threads to Notice • Betrayal flows from allegiance to Christ; loyalty to Him exposes who truly belongs to Him. • Family ties, though precious, are not ultimate; covenant loyalty to God outranks blood. • Both Testaments agree: end-time pressure forces a choice—either stand with Christ or abandon Him, even if family turns hostile. Living It Out • Expect opposition without surprise; Jesus told us beforehand. • Anchor identity in Christ, not in the approval of relatives. • Respond to betrayal with steadfast faith and Christ-like love, trusting the Lord to vindicate His people. |
    |