Reading Hebrews 12 recently, I was struck by one verse: “Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart” (verse 3, NIV). Writing to Christians facing persecution in the Roman Empire, the writer to the Hebrews (possibly Paul) encouraged them to consider the example of Jesus. If Jesus faced opposition and persecution, then His followers should not be surprised if they too suffer opposition and persecution. Therefore, they should take heart, be courageous, and remain faithful. Earlier in Hebrews, the writer reminded his readers that in Jesus they had a Savior who was able “to empathize with our weaknesses” because He had been “tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

But the writer was not just telling the Hebrew Christians to be encouraged. He was giving them an example to follow: “Consider Jesus.” How did Jesus respond to opposition? He simply continued on with His ministry—teaching, preaching, healing, and delivering people from demons. From time to time, He challenged those who opposed Him. At times, He miraculously avoided being harmed, as when an angry mob in Nazareth tried to throw Him off a cliff “but he walked right through the crowd and went on his way” (Luke 4:30). John 11:53-54 reports: “From that day on they plotted to take his life. Therefore Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the people of Judea.” Jesus did not seek death because it was not yet His time to die and He still had ministry to do. But he did not fear death either. In the end, He refused to deny the truth and courageously accepted death.