Jesus is endurance exemplified. To win salvation for us, it took a lifetime of pure sinlessness, something I can only marvel at.
It Took Resolve
As His days on earth became few, Jesus “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem,” as it says in the King James Version (Luke 9:51). He determined to go there and face that terrible task my sin created, though as the time approached, it distressed Him (Luke 12:50).
It Took Self-Control
Though He had spent part of the night praying to His Father “that if it were possible, the hour might pass Him by” (Mark 14:35), He did not call to His Father for twelve legions of angels when the moment of His arrest was upon Him (Matthew 26:53). The disciples, in that same moment, show a more recognizable crumbling.
It Took Heroic Bravery
Even after being flogged, Jesus remained resolute. When offered a mixture of wine and myrrh, which might have helped deaden the pain, Jesus refused (Mark 15:23). I know that I was very quick to accept an epidural under the stress of giving birth, and I am so impressed that Jesus could refuse in that moment! The text does not state His reasons, but in knowing what happens next, I suppose He did not want His mind clouded. For instance, the soul of the thief on the cross and the soul of the centurion may have depended on His mind being clear.
Jesus had said,
“But for this purpose I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name” (John 12:27-28).
And Hebrews 12:2 says,
“…for the joy set before Him (He) endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
His endurance gained us our salvation, and exemplified endurance for us, so that we may run the race set before us in His footprints.
