TUESDAY May 5, 2026

Consider Christ

For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
Hebrews 12:3

As we run our earthly race, Paul also directed Christians to consider Christ––the One whom we love and care about so much. Jesus, the One who was sent from all eternity to humble Himself and become a little baby. The One who has the power to redeem us from all our sins. The One who has called us to, one day, be in His presence. Jesus, our Savior, our King, our Lord––the One who we should love with all our hearts.

When Jesus first began His ministry, He was loved, but the crowds soon turned against Him. The religious leaders hated Him and wanted Him dead. He was mistreated and blasphemed. He was arrested, falsely accused, and prosecuted. On the order of Pilate, Jesus was whipped. They humiliated Him, stripped off His clothing, and beat him. The whip had animal teeth and glass. They gave him thirty-nine stripes on his back.

A crown made of Palestine thorns (about three inches long) was placed on Jesus’ head. When they crowned Him, the thorns were shoved into his skull. He was clothed with a purple robe and mocked: “Hail King of the Jews.” Jesus remained silent; He took every hostile act.

Jesus was led away, carrying His Cross––the instrument of death. They took Him to Mount Calvary, laid Him down, and hammered nails into His hands and feet. In pain and agony, He was raised up. The Cross was dropped into a hole, two feet deep. Every muscle in His body experienced excruciating pain, but not one of the bones in His body was broken.

Crucified and mocked, two thieves were crucified along with Him. One was very arrogant, but the other acknowledged his sin. He called out to be remembered when Jesus came into His kingdom. Jesus heard him. Death was imminent, but Jesus told him: “Today, you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). After three hours of darkness, Jesus gave up His spirit and died. After considering Christ and all He went through to secure your salvation, let nothing stop you from finishing your race!

We Christians do not believe that Jesus Christ was the only one that ever rose from the dead. We believe that every death-bed is a resurrection; that from every grave the stone, is rolled away.
~C. H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!