Hebrews 12:1-4 (KJV) Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Last week we studied verses one and two. We compared the Christian life to running a marathon. We have an internal fight with our own sin. Today, we will look at verses three and four. We are in the fight of a gladiator, but we have not been martyred yet. We face outside pressure from others that can bring discouragement and despair. What do we do when we have sinful thoughts from within and the battles of life from without? We look to Jesus. We consider Him! We compare our problems with what Jesus went through.

If Jesus, the Prince of Life, the Holy One and the Just, the Lord of glory; King of Kings and Lord of Lords was wearied and slain by the Romans and religious elite, why should we who are His followers expect to be able to skate free of opposition. Our trials are trifling in comparison.

Jesus didn’t faint. He didn’t abandon His mission. He faced SUCH CONTRADICTION OF SINNERS. Evil men went to great lengths to try to maliciously destroy Jesus from His youth up (Ps. 129:2-3). He faced constant opposition to His ministry. Then, finally, they thought they had gotten rid of Jesus when they crucified Him.

Jesus ENDURED the opposition of sinners. Jesus continued to love people. He taught them; He healed them. He didn’t allow the opposition to keep Him from doing the good and right things that He was to do. Jesus never responded in an ungodly manner to any attack from the opposition. As we consider Him, let’s endure the trials that we face, and let’s respond to that outside pressure in a positive godly manner. Not only does Jesus set the example, but He empowers us by His grace to live for Him!

Ron Cox - Director of HOPE Ministry