And He came the third time, and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? That is enough. The hour has come; behold, the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Get up, let’s go; behold, the one who is betraying Me is near!”
Even from an early age, people learn by example. A child’s first words and mannerisms often mimic their parents. Even as they grow up and start to develop their own traits, children look to the example of life that has been set before them for better or worse. There is no better example for us than Jesus. As we face tough things in life, He has given an example of perfect obedience to God. He did not run away, nor did He stay in the point of a despair; He walked through the harshest reality, most painful torture, and greatest heartbreak with hope. He faced the darkest hour of humanity not in bitterness of God but in trust in God.
Hebrews 12:2-3 reminds us to hold onto this example of Jesus as we navigate through this life: “looking only at Jesus, the originator and perfecter of the faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” As you experience challenges, you have a Savior you can look to as your example and guide through it all. But He is more than our example. He has been perfect in the ways we have failed and will fail. We follow Him, trusting His life in our place and His example as ours to model.
- What have your learned from Jesus about facing hardship?
- How are you encouraged by the reminder that Jesus has been perfectly obedient for all the places you are not?
- Pray for others you know that are going through a tough time. Ask God to show you how to share His love with others and point them to His hope.
