Hebrews 12:3

For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

Hebrews 12:3 (KJV)

Context

The book of Hebrews was written to encourage and exhort Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and the temptation to turn away from their faith in Christ. The author highlights the superiority of Jesus Christ over the Old Testament system of worship, emphasizing His role as the perfect High Priest and the mediator of a better covenant. In Hebrews 12, the “great cloud of witnesses” and the call to lay aside every weight and sin set the stage for this exhortation to consider Jesus.

Meaning

“Consider him that endured” urges readers to reflect upon Jesus and His example of endurance. The Greek word for “consider” is a mathematical term denoting a ratio or proportion, inviting believers to compare themselves with Him and their sufferings with His. By contemplating Jesus, they can gain strength and perseverance in their own journey of faith, seeing Him as the ultimate example of faithfulness.

“Contradiction of sinners against himself” refers to the opposition Jesus endured, specifically from the Jews of His time who opposed His plans, perverted His sayings, and ridiculed His claims. This opposition included accusations that His miracles were done by the help of the devil, that He encouraged sin by conversing with sinners, and that His whole life was criminal. The opposition was “against himself,” meaning it was immediately and directly against Jesus, not merely against His disciples. He endured this from sinners, including the secret opposition of the Scribes, Sadducees, and Pharisees, and the open opposition of the common people, even the Roman soldiers and Herod’s men.

“Lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds” warns of the danger of growing weary and losing heart in the spiritual journey. The readers were facing trials and persecutions that could lead to discouragement and weakened faith. By contemplating Jesus’ endurance and the suffering He endured, they can find inspiration to persevere and remain steadfast in their own faith.

Application

Hebrews 12:3 encourages believers to fix their gaze on Jesus and His example of endurance in the face of opposition. By considering His suffering and unwavering commitment, they can find strength and motivation to persevere in their own faith, even in the midst of trials and challenges.