Consider Him Who First Endured

"For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, 
so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."

Hebrews 12:3

When the world is hostile toward us, we can take heart in knowing that Christ endured the worst hostility that can be experienced for our sake. From the beginning to the end of His three year ministry He was scorned and rejected by those He came to save. Satan blasted Him with everything he had, trying to destroy Him. Still the Lord endured in order to set us free. He won the victory so that we would never have to live in defeat. We have a Savior who understands our trials and says to us, "In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)  "The dignity of the Saviour has invested suffering, and especially brave endurance, with great honor and glory. There is a halo round about our griefs since Jesus Christ endured them first." (Spurgeon)