Consider Jesus’ Endurance

Mar 11

Day 2, Week 3 - Consider

Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

Isaiah 53:3-7 (ESV)

He was despised and rejected by men,
a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief;
and as one from whom men hide their faces
he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

Surely he has borne our griefs
    and carried our sorrows;
yet we esteemed him stricken,
    smitten by God, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
    and with his wounds we are healed.
All we like sheep have gone astray;
    we have turned—every one—to his own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted,
    yet he opened not his mouth;
like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,
    and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent,
    so he opened not his mouth.

1 Peter 2:21-23 (ESV)

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. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 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.

When life becomes overwhelming, and you feel like you can’t take another step, it’s tempting to ask, “Does anyone understand what I’m going through?” Hebrews 12:3 answers that question with a resounding yes. Jesus understands. He endured more than we can imagine so that we could find strength in His victory. The writer of Hebrews calls us to “consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”

Take a moment to think about what Jesus endured. He was mocked, rejected, betrayed, beaten, and crucified. Isaiah 53:3 calls Him “a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.” He faced unimaginable pain, not just physically but emotionally and spiritually. His own people turned against Him. His closest friends abandoned Him. Even as He hung on the cross, the crowds mocked Him. Yet, He endured it all. Why? Because of His love for you.

1 Peter 2:23 reminds us, “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.” Jesus’ endurance wasn’t just about bearing pain. It was about trust—trust in the Father’s plan, trust that His suffering had purpose, and trust that His death would lead to your salvation.

When we consider Jesus’ endurance, it gives us perspective on our own trials. He endured not just to show us how to suffer well, but to carry the ultimate burden that we could never bear: the weight of our sin. He took your sin, shame, and guilt upon Himself so that you could be free. And because He endured, you can endure.

But this isn’t just about admiring what Jesus did. It’s about letting His endurance transform how you face your own challenges. Life will bring hostility, hardship, and hurt. It will feel overwhelming at times. But when you fix your eyes on Jesus, you’re reminded that He has already walked the hardest road. You’re reminded that He understands your pain and walks with you through it.

Isaiah 53:7 describes Jesus as a lamb led to the slaughter, silent and obedient. His endurance was driven by purpose and love. And now, He calls you to follow His example. Not in your own strength, but in His.

Today, take time to reflect deeply on what Jesus endured for you. Consider the hostility He faced, the pain He bore, and the victory He won. Let His example inspire you to keep going, even when the race feels impossible. When you grow weary, remember that He endured so you could find strength in Him.

Reflect: When was the last time you truly considered what Jesus endured for you? How does His endurance give you perspective and strength for your own trials?

Pray: Jesus, I am overwhelmed by the depth of Your love and the strength of Your endurance. When life feels impossible, help me to remember all that You endured for me. Give me the strength to keep going, trusting in Your power.

Act: Spend 10 minutes today in quiet reflection. Meditate on Isaiah 53, and write down three ways Jesus’ endurance encourages you in your current struggles. Let this be a reminder of His strength in your weakness.