We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Hebrews 12:2
Throughout this week, we have talked about heroes of our faith who have gone before us and set an example for us of perseverance. These people endured hardship, loss, and more, and yet they remained faithful. Of all of the people who came before us and set an example of perseverance, no one compares to Jesus, and the way He persevered in order to rescue humanity from sin. In light of His perseverance and what He has done for us, we, too, must persevere and keep following Him despite our difficult circumstances.
The author of Hebrews reminds readers about the example of faithfulness and perseverance that Jesus set while He was on earth. In Hebrews 12, he instructed readers to look to Christ, calling Jesus “the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (verse 2). He continued explaining all that Jesus has done, saying, “Because of the joy awaiting Him, He endured the cross, disregarding its shame” (verse 2). Jesus persevered until the very end, enduring shame, suffering, and indescribable pain on the cross. Why did He do it? He did it “Because of the joy awaiting Him” (verse 2). He knew what was coming after His death and resurrection: the defeat of sin and death. He knew that His death and resurrection would also result in our salvation.
The apostle Paul also wrote about the endurance that Jesus showed in Philippians 2. In this passage of Scripture, he explained that Jesus "gave up His divine privileges; He took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When He appeared in human form, He humbled Himself in obedience to God and died a criminal's death on a cross" (verses 7-8). Jesus persevered to the very end, even when it meant a horrific death on a cross. There is no greater example of perseverance than this.
We have a Savior who showed us the most remarkable example of perseverance. Not one time did He give up or decide that His hardship was not worth the sacrifice. He persevered with His very last breath. If our Savior endured such hardship, we, too, can endure and keep following Him, the one who gave His life to rescue us from sin.
As you read in the Going Deeper section today, read it out loud, slowly. Pay attention to Jesus' perseverance throughout the pain and suffering He faced. Thank Him for all that He has done for you!
Philippians 2:1-11
1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2 Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. 7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, 8 he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
9 Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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