Consider how Jesus endured from the agony in the garden (Luke 22:44) to the point on the cross when He committed his spirit to the hands of the Father and breathed His last. (Luke 23:46)
Consider how Jesus set the will of the flesh aside and fully surrendered to the Father’s Will in being offered on our behalf. (Luke 22:42)
Consider how Jesus, Who could have called for the sending of twelve legions of angels (Matthew 26:52-54), would not allow another to defend with the sword. (Luke 22:49-51)
Consider how Jesus thought of others’ sorrow more than what He was experiencing Himself. (Luke 23:27-31)
Why ought we to consider all this? Because there is something for us to learn from it as we consider our own life and the things we might have to endure in it.
For those going through severe trials, the writer of Hebrews exhorted. . .
“(3) Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (4) In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Hebrews 12:3-4 ESV)
As I consider Jesus, I am called to consider how I have not yet had to resist to the point He did. When I begin to complain about tough times or unjust treatment, I must remember my Lord suffered far beyond what I have yet been called to experience. Though these to whom the author of Hebrews was writing could relate to hostile treatment more than I myself, if they were urged to not grow weary or fainthearted in the midst of it, why should I not also maintain my faith in following on?
As Peter also wrote to encourage Christians who had been dispersed by the persecution and trials of the time, he too exhorted. . .
“(21) For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. (22) He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. (23) When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Peter 2:21-23 ESV)
As Jesus hung in there, He did so, entrusting Himself to the Father. This is key for all of us as we press on in faith, knowing that what we endure for the faith will be worth the glory yet to come. (Romans 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18) Therefore, may we not grow weary and fainthearted as we are compelled by the great love demonstrated by our Lord to follow in His steps to His glory and praise!
Have a great day CONSIDERING CHRIST AND THE CAUSE WORTH ENDURING FOR!
Carl
