Ed Urzi

“Have you forgotten the encouraging words which God speaks to you as his children? ‘My child, pay attention when the Lord corrects you, and do not be discouraged when he rebukes you. Because the Lord corrects everyone he loves, and punishes everyone he accepts as a child'” (Hebrews 12:5-6 GNB).

One source defines this reference to discipline (CSB), or chastening (GNV) with a look at the original language of this passage…

“The latter word is paideia, which was used of the whole training and education of children. It speaks also of whatever in adults cultivates the soul, especially by correcting mistakes and curbing the passions. It speaks also of instruction which aims at the increase of virtue. The word does not have in it the idea of punishment, but of corrective measures which will eliminate evil in the life and encourage the good.” ₍₁₎

Unlike some who ascribe the negative events of life to the unpredictable elements of “luck,” “fate,” “chance,” or “karma,” there is no need for despair amid those circumstances. Instead, we can gain insight from these conditions by asking some important questions such as…

• What may God be seeking to teach me through this circumstance?
• What does my response to this situation tell me about myself?
• How can I apply this experience in the future?

However, there is another aspect of this passage that warrants our attention. You see, it is appropriate to consider any role we may have played in eliciting God’s correction in our lives. In other words, we should consider the possibility that our behaviors have prompted God to engage in an act of loving discipline. The Scriptures offer several admonitions in this regard…

“Some of the redeemed had been sitting in darkness and deep gloom; they were prisoners suffering in chains because they had disobeyed God’s instructions and rejected the Most High’s plans. So God humbled them with hard work. They stumbled, and there was no one to help them… Some of the redeemed were fools because of their sinful ways. They suffered because of their wickedness” (Psalm 107:10-12, 17 CEB).

“An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him” (Proverbs 5:22 NLT).

“Have you not brought this on yourselves by forsaking the Lord your God when he led you in the way?… Your wickedness will punish you; your backsliding will rebuke you” (Jeremiah 2:17, 19 NIV).

So while the Lord chastens and corrects us, we should prayerfully seek to ensure that we have not deliberately prompted those corrective measures. As 1 Corinthians 11:32 reminds us, “…when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world.”

(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Hebrews 12:5-6) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

“And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, ‘My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son'” (Hebrews 12:5-6 NIV).

If this passage from Hebrews 12:5-6 seems familiar, it may be due to the fact that a similar concept appears in the Biblical books of Job and Proverbs…

“Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17).

“My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor detest His correction; For whom the Lord loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights” Proverbs 3:11-12).

These references serve to prepare us for the next point of emphasis in the book of Hebrews…

“In the next section (5-24) the writer explains the meaning of suffering and hardship as the discipline (not ‘chastisement’ or ‘punishment’) of a loving Father (cf. 6), whose purpose in it is to educate (Gk. paideuein) his child. Thus in the case of the Christian, suffering is God’s educational process by which he is fitted to share God’s holiness (10).

It is a necessary element in the Father-child relationship as the writer establishes from his book of proofs- the OT (Prov. 3: 11 f.), and from the analogy of human parenthood (8-9). If you are not being educated you are not a legitimate son (8).” ₍₁₎

With these things in mind, this portion of Scripture encourages us to exercise discernment in respect to the difficult events that enter our lives. For instance, God may permit such experiences as a means of identifying an attitude or behavior that requires attention. Or perhaps He may allow the circumstances we encounter to assist us in developing character and perseverance. He might also use those developments to prepare us for the future.

Thus, it is important to recognize that every Christian is (or should be) enrolled as an apprentice in the “School of Christ.” Each grade level in this academic institution features a curriculum that is tailored to every individual student. While Jesus used this student-teacher analogy in addressing His followers on several occasions, there is a strong familial element that is present here in our passage from Hebrews. We’ll explore that aspect of our relationship with the Lord in greater detail next.

(1) New International Bible Commentary general editor G. C. D. Howley, consulting editors F. F. Bruce, H. L. Ellison. Copyright© 1979 by Pickering & Inglis Ltd [pg. 1529].

“In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (Hebrews 12:4).

In context, this reference to “shedding your blood” refers to the account of Jesus’ crucifixion. We can find an echo of that awful form of death in the modern-day word “excruciating.” This word is used to describe an exceedingly painful condition and finds its origin in a word that means “of the cross.” ₍₁₎

Despite our natural reluctance to engage this difficult topic, a comparative look at Jesus’ death can help us measure the true severity of our own life experiences. For instance, consider the fact that a crucified prisoner had to push himself up against the nail that held his feet in order to breathe as he hung upon his cross. If he failed to do so, death by suffocation would result. Crucified victims also experienced severe thirst and muscular cramping. Blood loss was extensive, and the nails used in securing the victim generated severe pain from severed or irritated nerve endings.

One medical commentator makes some additional observations regarding the act of crucifixion…

“When the cross was erected upright, there was tremendous strain put on the wrists, arms and shoulders, resulting in a dislocation of the shoulder and elbow joints… The arms, being held up and outward, held the rib cage in a fixed end inspiratory position which made it extremely difficult to exhale, and impossible to take a full breath.

The victim would only be able to take very shallow breaths (This may explain why Jesus made very short statements while on the cross). As time passed, the muscles, from the loss of blood, last of oxygen and the fixed position of the body, would undergo severe cramps and spasmodic contractions.” ₍₂₎

This is how the crucified spent their final hours of life. As another commentator bluntly observed, “Romans were grimly efficient about executions. Victims did not escape with their lives.” ₍₃₎

However, the Gospel of John adds an additional detail related to Jesus’ crucifixion: “…one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water” (John 19:32). One source alerts us to the significance of this detail…

“Clearly, the weight of historical and medical evidence indicates that Jesus was dead before the wound to his side was inflicted and supports the traditional view that the spear, thrust between his right ribs, probably perforated not only the right lung but also the pericardium and heart and thereby ensured his death.” ₍₄₎

(1) See “Excruciating.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excruciating. Accessed 11 Apr. 2023.

(2) Terasaka, David M.D. Medical Aspects of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ http://www.blueletterbible.org/Comm/terasaka_david/misc/crucify.cfm Accessed 12 Apr. 2023.

(3) Paul L. Maier, In the Fullness of Time: A Historian Looks at Christmas, Easter, and the Early Church [pg. 195]

(4) Edwards, William & Gabel, W & Hosmer, F. (1986). On the Physical Death of Jesus Christ. JAMA : the journal of the American Medical Association. 255. 1455-63. 10.1001/jama.1986.03370110077025. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/19648788_On_the_Physical_Death_of_Jesus_Christ Accessed 11 Apr. 2023.

“In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood” (Hebrews 12:4 ESV).

Hebrews 12:4 draws a comparison between the sufferings inflicted upon the members of the original audience for this epistle and those that were inflicted upon Jesus. The Gospel of Mark offers an account of the suffering Jesus endured before He reached the cross…

“They put a purple cloak on him and after braiding a crown of thorns, they put it on him. They began to salute him: ‘Hail, king of the Jews!’ Again and again they struck him on the head with a staff and spit on him. Then they knelt down and paid homage to him” (Mark 15:17-19 NET).

In a grotesque parody of a golden crown worn by a king, the soldiers guarding Jesus placed a crown made from the branches of a sharp thorny plant upon His head prior to His crucifixion. Mark’s Gospel also tells us that the Roman soldiers struck Jesus repeatedly on the head during this time. This act was certain to produce severe bleeding as the crown of thorns was driven into His scalp.

Although the Gospels do not provide us with an extensive physical description of Jesus’ condition during this time, that may be due to the fact that this information was detailed prophetically in advance…

“I gave My back to those who struck Me, And My cheeks to those who plucked out the beard; I did not hide My face from shame and spitting” (Isaiah 50:6).

“…His visage was marred more than any man, And His form more than the sons of men” (Isaiah 52:14).

But these things were just a prelude to Jesus’ actual crucifixion…

“And when they crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots for them to determine what every man should take” (Mark 15:24).

A condemned prisoner was typically stripped of his clothing upon arrival at the site of his crucifixion. He was then bound with ropes or nailed to the crossbar (or “patibulum”) he carried to his execution. Those who were nailed to their crosses (as Jesus was), were typically secured with large spikes that were approximately seven inches (18 cm) long, and 1/3 inch (.75 cm) wide at the head. These spikes were likely driven into the wrist area at the base of the hand. After this, the crossbar was fastened onto a vertical pole (or “stipe”). Finally, the victim’s feet were nailed into the vertical portion of his cross.

While these descriptions are painful to read, the author of Hebrews encourages us to bring these facts to our remembrance to help in maintaining the right perspective on the sufferings we endure.

“You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin” (Hebrews 12:4).

The members of the original audience for the Biblical book of Hebrews had undoubtedly suffered for their decision to follow Christ. Yet none had “…resisted to the point of bloodshed” (NET). The implication carried over from the previous verse is clear: “If you are becoming weary and discouraged, consider what Jesus endured. You have not yet suffered bloodshed, as He suffered on our behalf.”

So, the author of Hebrews encouraged the members of his original audience (and modern-day readers by extension) to expand their perspective beyond their personal hardships and discouragements. In the words of one Biblical scholar, “The readers have known persecution, but nothing as serious as what Jesus suffered, or indeed, what has been cataloged in 11:35–38. It is not time for them to think of giving up.” ₍₁₎

The following excerpt from the New Testament Gospel of Mark details a portion of Jesus’ experience that can help us put our afflictions in the proper perspective…

“Pilate wanted to please the crowd, so he set Barabbas free. Then he ordered his soldiers to beat Jesus with a whip and nail him to a cross” (Mark 15:15 CEV).

With Pilate’s authorization, the Roman military personnel in charge of Jesus whipped Him repeatedly in advance of His crucifixion. Roman soldiers generally administered this beating (variously referred to as a scourging, or flogging depending on the translation), as part of a criminal sentence.

A “scourge” was a type of whip that was comprised of a wooden handle with multiple lashes or strips of leather. Sharp-edged pieces of bone, metal, and/or lead were commonly attached to these lashes. During this process, the condemned prisoner was first stripped of his clothes. His hands were then tied above his head to a support column. Two soldiers (called lichtors) then positioned themselves on either side of the prisoner and took alternate turns whipping the victim. In doing so, the embedded objects within the scourge slowly tore into the prisoner’s body, removing small bits of flesh with every strike.

The act of scourging a convicted criminal was primarily designed to eliminate his ability to resist the act of crucifixion. This horrific form of punishment continued until the prisoner was close to death. While the Jewish people were limited to thirty-nine lashes in scourging a prisoner, ₍₂₎ the only condition placed upon a Roman lichtor was that the prisoner had to be kept alive to carry his cross to his place of execution.

(1) R. C. Sproul, ed., The Reformation Study Bible: English Standard Version (2015 Edition) (Orlando, FL: Reformation Trust, 2015), 2218.

(2) See the historical reference in 2 Corinthians 11:24

“For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, so that you won’t grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3 HCSB).

No matter how difficult life becomes, we can be secure in knowing  that Jesus is familiar with the problems and issues we face. For instance, what if we were to compare the pressures of our lives to Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane? Remember that it was there where His perspiration became like drops of blood as he prayed and contemplated the immediate future that awaited Him. Thus, it seems unlikely that our challenges exceed the struggles Jesus faced in respect to His approaching crucifixion.

A few minutes spent with a work such as Foxe’s Book Of Martyrs may also bring a fresh perspective to our view of the stresses we experience in life. This is important when we consider the natural human tendency to magnify the intensity of our personal struggles. The standard we use to measure their severity influences the accuracy of our perception.

This is not to say that our challenges are insignificant, or illusionary. Nor does it mean that we should ignore the problems we experience in life, or pretend they don’t exist. Instead, we can ensure that we accurately assess such things when we measure them against the example Jesus set for us.

The New Testament epistle of 1 Peter approaches this idea from a different perspective…

“For what credit is it if you sin and are mistreated and endure it? But if you do good and suffer and so endure, this finds favor with God. For to this you were called, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving an example for you to follow in his steps” (1 Peter 2:20-21 NET).

Much like a weary athlete who continues to press on towards the finish line, the knowledge that Jesus has set an example for us helps provide us with the proper mindset. The Apostle Paul also touched upon this idea in his letter to the Galatian church: “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Paul echoed a similar theme in his letters to the churches at Corinth and Thessalonica as well…

“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

“But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good” (2 Thessalonians 3:13).

Therefore, we can find strength in the counsel given to us here in Hebrews 12:3 whenever we grow weary of the trials and oppositions we encounter.

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

Like any good leader, Jesus is someone who leads by example. For instance, we would do well to consider the various acts of hostility that were inflicted upon Jesus whenever we face conflict with others. Those examples run like a thread throughout the New Testament gospel of John…

“Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He not only broke the Sabbath, but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God” (John 5:18).

“After these things Jesus walked in Galilee; for He did not want to walk in Judea, because the Jews sought to kill Him” (John 7:1).

“[Jesus said] I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me, because My word has no place in you” (john 8:37).

“Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by” (John 8:59).

“Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. Jesus answered them, ‘Many good works I have shown you from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?’ The Jews answered Him, saying, ‘For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a Man, make Yourself God'” (John 10:31-33).

“The Jews answered [Pontius Pilate], ‘We have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself the Son of God'” (John 19:7).

Some of our conflicts may grow out of relationships with disagreeable spouses, antagonistic co-workers, unreasonable employers. disruptive neighbors, or contentious family members. Others must deal with the hostilities imposed by government entities, business organizations, religious movements, or groups that are averse to Christianity.

When such things occur, we would be wise to “Think about the one who endured such opposition from sinners so that you won’t be discouraged and you won’t give up” (CEB). We might also consider Jesus’ cautionary message from John 15:20: “Do you remember what I said to you, ‘The servant is not greater than his master’? If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you as well, but if they have followed my teaching, they will also follow yours” (Phillips).

Thus, as one source concludes, “…if we would look to Christ’s example instead of looking at our own afflictions, we would not become so weary or fainthearted. Are you unhappy over your sacrifice? Take a new look at His!” ₍₁₎

(1) Edward E. Hindson and Woodrow Michael Kroll, eds., KJV Bible Commentary (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1994), 2576.

“looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 ESV).

Although crosses are often sold as various forms of jewelry in many areas of the world, some who display crosses in this manner may be unfamiliar with the shame that accompanied the act of crucifixion. In Jesus’ case, the humiliation inflicted upon Him began long before He reached the site of His crucifixion…

“Then the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole garrison. And they clothed Him with purple; and they twisted a crown of thorns, put it on His head, and began to salute Him, ‘Hail, King of the Jews!’ Then they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him; and bowing the knee, they worshiped Him” (Mark 15:16-19).

The Praetorium served as the place of residence for the Roman troops in that area. It was there that the soldiers in charge of Jesus mocked His kingship by spitting upon Him and dressing Him in purple, the color of royalty. These men created a crown made from thorns in a caricature of sovereign authority and gave Him a cane to serve as a kind of “royal scepter.” An entire garrison of soldiers witnessed this humiliating scene.

“They took Jesus therefore, and He went out bearing His own cross, to the place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha” (John 19:17 RSV).

Regarding the act of crucifixion, one source makes the following observation: “Although the Romans did not invent crucifixion, they perfected it as a form of torture and capital punishment that was designed to produce a slow death with maximum pain and suffering. It was one of the most disgraceful and cruel methods of execution and usually was reserved only for slaves, foreigners, revolutionaries, and the vilest of criminals.” ₍₁₎

Yet now we’re told, Jesus “…is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (NLT). One source explains this imagery behind this reference…

“…the idea being that He, after His work of providing a salvation was finished, sat down, and remains seated. He need never arise and repeat His work on the Cross for sinners. It is a finished work. He is not only seated, but He occupies the position of preeminence, at the right hand of God.” ₍₂₎

(1) “Christ Died Quickly On The Cross” William D. Edwards, quoted in “The Book Of Jesus” edited by Calvin Miller pg 388

(2) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Hebrews 12:2) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV).

One Biblical scholar draws our attention to the significance of the word “author” in this passage…

“The word ‘author’ is the translation of archegon… The word is made up of ago ‘to lead,’ and arche, ‘the first.’ The compound word means ‘the chief leader, one that takes the lead in anything and thus furnishes the example.'” ₍₁₎

Thus, we can say that Jesus stands at the starting line as we begin the course of faith that God has set before us and awaits us as we reach the finish line. As a merciful and faithful high priest who has been made like His brothers and sisters in every way, we can look to Him for strength and encouragement as we traverse the curves, obstacles, and hazards we encounter over the course of our lives.

This passage also offers insight into Jesus’ mindset during the period of His earthly ministry: “He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him…” (CEB). So Jesus viewed His crucifixion as more than just a sacrificial offering; instead, He endured the shame of the cross with an eye towards the joy that awaited Him.

However, that joy was not for Jesus’ benefit alone…

“It is not difficult to trace an affinity between the joy of which our author speaks here and the joy to which Jesus Himself makes repeated reference in the upper room discourses of the Fourth Gospel. He tells His disciples there of His desire that His joy may be in them, so that their joy may be complete (John 15: 11; cf. 16:20, 21, 22, 24); and in His high-priestly prayer He asks the Father ‘that they may have my joy made full in themselves’ (John 17: 13).

So here, ‘the joy that was set before him’ is not something for Himself alone, but something to be shared with those for whom He died as sacrifice and lives as high priest.” ₍₂₎

So “the author and finisher of our faith” endured the cross for the joy of others, as well as Himself. Finally, Jesus emphasized the practical aspect of His work on the cross in some of His last words to His disciples…

“Most assuredly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain” (John 12:24).

(1) Kenneth S. Wuest, Word Studies in the Greek New Testament (Hebrews 12:2) Copyright © 1942-55 by Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co.

(2) The New International Commentary On The New Testament – The Epistle To The Hebrews, F. F. Bruce, General Editor © Copyright 1964, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, Michigan [pg. 353]

“looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

The Biblical “heroes of the faith” mentioned earlier in Hebrews chapter eleven serve to challenge, inspire, and motivate us to follow God’s path for our lives. Undoubtedly, there are some who choose to approach the challenges they encounter along that path with a determination to simply “do better” in those areas where they may be falling short. But much like a New Year’s resolution that falls by the wayside, that approach is destined to fail.

The solution is to look unto Jesus, the author and the finisher of our faith, as we’re told here in Hebrews 12:2. Just as the ancient Magi fixed their gaze upon the Star of Bethlehem to guide them to their destination, we can stay the course of God’s direction for our lives if we continually focus upon Christ.

While the faithful men and women of Hebrews chapter eleven encourage us to live a life of faith, Jesus enables us to live a life of faith. Since Jesus is one upon whom “…our faith depends from beginning to end” (GNB), we are empowered to live faithfully as we look to Him. The Apostle Peter once discovered the importance of this truth in a dramatic fashion.

After feeding thousands of people with two fish and five loaves of bread, Jesus sent His disciples across the Sea of Galilee on the way to their next destination while He dismissed the crowds. It was later that night when Jesus walked across the surface of the water and approached the disciples as they struggled to navigate against a boisterous wind. The disciples were understandably terrified at this sight, but Jesus moved quickly to reassure them: “Don’t worry! It’s me! Don’t be afraid” (Matthew 14:27 ERV).

That led Peter to make a request: “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water” (Matthew 14:28). Jesus granted Peter’s request, but shortly after Peter left the boat, he began to sink beneath the waves as he grew fearful of the tumultuous winds. It was then that “…Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, ‘O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).

Peter’s experience thus serves as an object lesson that should encourage us to “…focus on Jesus, the source and goal of our faith” (GW).