Hebrews Chapter 12: Verse 12 (NIV Translation)
Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Hebrews Chapter 4: Verse 15 (NIV Translation)
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
I never really consider Jesus at His most vulnerable; I picture Him ministering to the crowds who came to see Him, and the joy of those who had their needs met. Too often I forget that there were many who didn’t like Him and set out to discredit or disprove what He taught and who He was. I forget that there are times that He wept, that He felt anxious and at times overwhelmed. I forget that those closest to Him let Him down when He needed them most. When I think of Him that way, I remember what He did when He felt like that – He went to His Father in prayer, and in doing so received comfort.
Earlier in this letter to the Hebrews we are also reminded that we don’t have a High Priest who is unable to empathise with us. He understands how we feel because He’s had days like we have, but He did not give in to His feelings and He took His strength from spending time with His Father.
That’s why we are told to consider His example when we feel like throwing in the towel. And we too can draw near to the God we can call “Abba Father” because Jesus did not give up.
Dear Lord,
When I think of how Jesus persevered in the most difficult of circumstances, I am ashamed of how easily I become despondent. Help me to consider how He responded in those circumstances and do likewise with the help of Your Holy Spirit. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.