Jesus Christ
Category: Ultimate endurance in mission & sacrifice
Could avoid: Call down angels, avoid suffering and the cross.
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?” (Matthew 26:53)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:7; John 10:18.
Chose: To fulfill all righteousness and give His life.
“Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:15)
Cross-Refs: Philippians 2:8; Hebrews 12:2.
Endured: Temptation, rejection, betrayal, crucifixion.
“Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 2:23–24.
Why: To save His people from their sins.
“You are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)
Cross-Refs: John 3:16–17; Romans 5:8.
Result: Resurrection, all authority given, eternal kingdom secured.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)
Cross-Refs: Daniel 7:14; Revelation 1:18.
John the Baptist
Category: Endurance in prophetic boldness & martyrdom
Could avoid: Stay silent about sin, live comfortably.
“John’s clothes were made of camel’s hair, and he had a leather belt around his waist.” (Matthew 3:4)
Cross-Refs: 2 Kings 1:8; Hebrews 11:37.
Chose: Preached repentance and prepared the way for Christ.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:2)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:3; Luke 1:17.
Endured: Wilderness living, opposition, imprisonment, death.
“Herod had John arrested and bound and put in prison.” (Matthew 14:3)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 11:12; Revelation 20:4.
Why: Faithful to God’s calling as the forerunner.
“This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you.’” (Matthew 11:10)
Cross-Refs: Malachi 3:1; John 1:23.
Result: Honoured by Jesus as the greatest among those born of women.
“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.” (Matthew 11:11)
Cross-Refs: Luke 7:28; Hebrews 11:39–40.
The Disciples
Category: Endurance in following Christ
Could avoid: Stay with nets, tax booths, and old lives.
“At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Matthew 4:20)
Cross-Refs: Luke 5:11; Philippians 3:7–8.
Chose: Left everything to follow Jesus.
“Peter answered him, ‘We have left everything to follow you!’” (Matthew 19:27)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 16:24; Luke 18:28–29.
Endured: Persecution, storms, misunderstanding, fear.
“You will be hated by everyone because of me.” (Matthew 10:22)
Cross-Refs: John 15:20; Acts 5:41.
Why: Believed Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God.
“You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:16)
Cross-Refs: John 6:68–69; 1 John 5:5.
Result: Became witnesses, pillars of the early church.
“Go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
Cross-Refs: Acts 1:8; Revelation 21:14.
The Faithful Remnant (Waiting for the Messiah)
Category: Endurance in expectation & faith
Could avoid: Give up hope under Roman oppression.
“The people living in darkness have seen a great light.” (Matthew 4:16)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 9:2; Luke 2:25.
Chose: Followed Jesus when He came, despite opposition.
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (Matthew 21:9)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 118:26; John 12:13.
Endured: Poverty, oppression, religious corruption.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” (Matthew 5:6)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 61:1; James 5:7–8.
Why: Believed God’s promises through the prophets.
“This took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet.” (Matthew 1:22)
Cross-Refs: Romans 15:4; Hebrews 11:39–40.
Result: Entered the blessings of the kingdom through Christ.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
Cross-Refs: Luke 6:20; Revelation 7:9–10.