Last week we discussed how people today either have or lack grit. Why even talk about grit? What makes this a character quality worth developing?

This week, we will see that Jesus had an incredible amount of grit. He dealt with things–even before his “trial” and crucifixion that would have sent most of us crying and whimpering and asking to be “tapped out” of the life we were living.

Let’s start with the temptation of Jesus that we see in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. First, He fasted for 40 days and 40 nights. I could leave it at that and we would have a powerful example of grit. But, you also throw in that He was tempted by Satan in ways that most of us humans would have succumbed to and you have a powerful example of Jesus’ grit. It also shows us that if He had to pray and fast before starting His Galilean ministry, then we should probably do the same before we step out in ministry.

Later in the same 3 Gospels, Jesus returns to His hometown of Nazareth and is run out-of-town and His life is threatened. Only by what had to be a miracle did He survive. (see Luke 4:28-30)

On countless occasions, the Pharisees tried to trip Jesus up by asking Him questions that were meant to expose Him as a fraud. Eventually, they get so tired of Him that they try to kill Him.

Then, the whole last week of Jesus’ life is just a study in gut-wrenching grit. He is trying to teach His disciples the lessons He has been living out for the last 3 years. They aren’t getting it! One of them even agrees to turn Him over to those wanting to kill Him.

He goes through a farce of a trial and then is condemned to die. One of the disciples He invested the most in denies that he even knows Him 3 times.

He is left alone by those who love Him most and endures beatings and a humiliating death.

Of course, we on this side of the resurrection understand why this had to be. But, let’s not kid ourselves and think that this made it easier for Jesus to go through.

So, if Jesus Christ had to endure these painful and excruciating hardships the question is–Why would we think that we should be entitled to an easy life? Why do we sometimes get caught being so surprised when “unfair” and painful things happen to us. Jesus gave us ultimate victory through His grit. But, we still have to develop our own “grit muscle”. We will still have battles we need to fight. Paul said, “I have fought the good fight” towards the end of his ministry. He didn’t say, “I have finished my life of ease in the name of Jesus”.

So, take heart, you battle-hardened readers!! Your trials will be difficult, yet trust that Jesus loves you and will see you through one way or the other. The grit you are developing today will prepare you for more ministry and will make you more like Jesus who was the grittiest of us all!

More to come…
Jeremy