Jesus Christ
Category: Endurance in mission, suffering, and compassion
Could avoid: Avoid the cross, reject rejection.
“Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” (Luke 22:42)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 53:10; John 12:27.
Chose: Walked the road of suffering with steadfast obedience.
“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected… and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” (Luke 9:22)
Cross-Refs: Hebrews 12:2; Philippians 2:8.
Endured: Temptation, rejection, betrayal, crucifixion.
“When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” (Luke 4:13)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 4:1; Hebrews 4:15.
Why: To seek and save the lost.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
Cross-Refs: John 3:17; 1 Timothy 1:15.
Result: Salvation accomplished, resurrection victory.
“Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!” (Luke 24:5–6)
Cross-Refs: Acts 2:24; Revelation 1:18.
Mary, Mother of Jesus
Category: Endurance in faith & obedience
Could avoid: Fear the shame of unwed motherhood.
“How will this be, since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 1:19; Genesis 18:14.
Chose: Submitted to God’s will.
“I am the Lord’s servant… May your word to me be fulfilled.” (Luke 1:38)
Cross-Refs: 1 Samuel 1:18; Hebrews 11:11.
Endured: Misunderstanding, poverty, flight to Egypt, watching her Son’s suffering.
“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary… a sword will pierce your own soul too.” (Luke 2:34–35)
Cross-Refs: John 19:25–27; Acts 1:14.
Why: Believed God’s promise.
“Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” (Luke 1:45)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 15:6; Hebrews 11:1.
Result: Became blessed among women, part of salvation’s story.
“My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Luke 1:46–47)
Cross-Refs: 1 Samuel 2:1; Revelation 12:1–5.
Simeon
Category: Endurance in patient waiting for God’s promise
Could avoid: Give up hope of seeing the Messiah.
“It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Messiah.” (Luke 2:26)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 40:31; Hebrews 11:13.
Chose: Waited faithfully in the temple.
“Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts.” (Luke 2:27)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 27:14; Galatians 5:25.
Endured: Long years of waiting.
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace.” (Luke 2:29)
Cross-Refs: Genesis 49:18; Hebrews 11:39.
Why: Trusted God’s salvation would come.
“For my eyes have seen your salvation.” (Luke 2:30)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 52:10; Acts 13:23.
Result: Saw Jesus, departed in peace.
“…a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (Luke 2:32)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 42:6; Revelation 21:23–24.
Anna the Prophetess
Category: Endurance in worship & prayer
Could avoid: Withdraw into despair as a widow.
“She was very old… and then was a widow until she was eighty-four.” (Luke 2:36–37)
Cross-Refs: 1 Timothy 5:5; Psalm 92:14.
Chose: Devoted herself to fasting and prayer.
“She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.” (Luke 2:37)
Cross-Refs: 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Acts 6:4.
Endured: Decades of widowhood, loneliness.
“Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child.” (Luke 2:38)
Cross-Refs: Exodus 15:20–21; Hebrews 11:35.
Why: Hoped for the redemption of Jerusalem.
“…and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.” (Luke 2:38)
Cross-Refs: Isaiah 25:9; Titus 2:13.
Result: Saw Christ and proclaimed Him to others.
“She gave thanks to God.” (Luke 2:38)
Cross-Refs: Psalm 71:18; Revelation 7:10.
The Disciples & Followers of Jesus
Category: Endurance in discipleship & persecution
Could avoid: Stay in safety, avoid the cost of following Jesus.
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 16:24; Philippians 3:7–8.
Chose: Followed Jesus, left families and possessions.
“We have left all we had to follow you!” (Luke 18:28)
Cross-Refs: Mark 10:28; Acts 20:24.
Endured: Hatred, persecution, rejection.
“Everyone will hate you because of me. But not a hair of your head will perish.” (Luke 21:17–18)
Cross-Refs: John 15:20; 2 Timothy 3:12.
Why: Believed in the kingdom of God.
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” (Luke 12:31)
Cross-Refs: Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 11:16.
Result: Received eternal life and kingdom inheritance.
“You will eat and drink at my table in my kingdom and sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Luke 22:30)
Cross-Refs: Revelation 3:21; Revelation 21:7.