Hope in the Heartland
He endured
Pastor, Gracepoint church
“For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself,” wrote the author of Hebrews in the 12th chapter and third verse. Who is the “Him” and exactly what “hostility” did He endure?
Verse two tells us the answer to both questions. Jesus is the “Him” and He “endured the cross.”
The word “endured” translated means to “abide under or to bear up very courageously under suffering.” The word has an “above and beyond” texture to it. It emphasizes that the suffering was great but His endurance was even greater. He exceedingly outlasted the suffering.
What does that mean? It means that His fatal suffering on the cross was not the tragic ending of a brave man, but part of the plan of God. You see, Jesus didn’t accidentally end up on those rough, wooden beams. This isn’t the inspirational story of an unfortunate martyr. Jesus just didn’t go through the cross; He went to the cross.
Verse two also says that He did it “for the joy set before Him,” and that He “sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus knew that the cross was not a stalemate from the devil but a statement to the devil. Jesus promised that He would rise again and return to heaven, having completed His sacrifice, thereby becoming “the author and perfecter of faith.” He “super-endured” — purposely dying for our sins.
Think about that daily as we step through this season of Lent.