Jesus’ Example in Suffering

As immorality creeps more and more into our society, with that which is unnatural and that which violates the standards of a holy God seen as normal, Christians who hold fast to the Word of God will more and more find themselves on the fringe, viewed as inflexible, intolerant, and even haters. To be sure, some “Christians” do take a more aggressive and antagonistic approach and reap what they sow. But, even those who do seek to “speak the truth in love” exercising both grace and truth, will undoubtedly find themselves increasingly under attack.

Jesus was no stranger to criticism, betrayal, rejection, torture, and then paying the ultimate price of His life for righteousness sake. — “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb. 12:3-4)

What We Can Learn About Suffering From Jesus?

If we look at the first two verses of Hebrews 12, we can gain some understanding about the example Jesus provides for us.

1) There is a bigger picture to consider than our momentary suffering.

“Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured … ” 

Perhaps this was behind James’ exhortation to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4) — If nothing else, our suffering has the potential of making us better people.

2) Sometimes we just have to endure whatever it is we are facing because of that bigger picture.

“Jesus … endured the cross”

Jesus did not try to escape His suffering. When his disciples wanted to fight Jesus said, “Put your sword back in its place . . . Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?” (Matt. 26:52-54) — If we aren’t willing to endure some suffering, how is the greater good to come about?

3) As we endure the suffering, we must be careful not to succumb to the shame people try to throw on us.

“Jesus … endured the cross, scorning its shame”

Jesus didn’t retaliate against the insults thrown at Him. Rather, “when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” (1 Pet. 2:23) — If we don’t rise above the criticism,  how can we claim to be taking the Christ-like approach?

4) We can be assured that in the end, God will triumph over the suffering.

“and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”

Jesus didn’t remain in the grave. He triumphed over sin and death and one day every knee will bow to Him. “And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:8-11) — If God was able to bring about such a glorious outcome from Jesus’ suffering, can’t we trust Him to take care of us?

Let’s remember that people are looking at not only how we react to the sin and immorality around us but also how we respond to their provocation or attacks because of it, to the resultant suffering we might experience. The passage we have used in this post began,

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus …” (Heb. 12:1).

Let’s make sure we react properly for “how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.” (1 Pet. 2:20) “… keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander. For it is better, if it is God’s will, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil.” (1 Pet. 3:16-17)