Hebrews 12:3

New International Version

Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

For Your Encouragement

It is absolute deception and oppressive to consider oneself the first and only person going through trials. Many people are going through similar or worse situations (1 Pt. 5:9). Their examples could encourage us in our lonely moments. 

Christ is our perfect example when we go through suffering. He suffered from birth to the cross, yet He did not waver or drawback. Today’s scripture verse exhorts us to consider His example “so that we will not grow weary and lose heart” (Heb. 12:3). 

What do we look to when we consider how He endured vehement opposition and overcame?

We consider his whole life: 

• His self-emptying, humility, obedience, and sacrificed life (Phil. 2:5-8),
• His prayer life (Mk. 1:35), 
• His perspective on things and issues (Heb. 10:7; Jn. 17:4),
• His reaction to suffering (Is. 53:7),
• His compassion, concern, and care (Matt. 15:32; 20:34),
• His love for the Father and dedication to His Kingdom agenda (Jn. 4:34),
• His forgiving spirit (Lk. 23:34),
• His joy set before Him—the joy of final redemption for the sinner, the reason He came, and the glory of the Father. (Heb. 12:2).

That, my friend, is where we draw strength from and gain the courage to press through our trials.

Prayers:

Lord Jesus, thank you for your example in suffering. Help me consider your entire life to draw encouragement and strength to persevere through my trials. I pray this for the Father’s glory in Jesus’s matchless name. Amen.