Hebrews 12:3-6 NKJV – For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.”
V3 “For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.” The reason we with our sin nature do not like Jesus is Jesus tells the truth about our sin (John 3:19-21). Yet, this light also gives a hope for salvation (John 1:7-9). We can reject/disbelieve or accept/believe in the Lord Jesus for salvation (John 3:14-16). Since the Lord Jesus suffered so many things, we, His followers, will also. Because if we live God’s truth and believe God’s truth, we will be a light reflecting the glory of our Lord Jesus. Thus, if He suffered, so will we (John 15:20). Let us not be discouraged. The Greek word for “weary” is (G2577) κάμνω kámnō, which carries the idea of weakness so sickness or very tired. The Greek word for “discouraged” is (G1590) ἐκλύω eklýō, which means to be exhausted. Barclay (beware) writes: “The writer to the Hebrews uses two very vivid words when he speaks of fainting and growing weary. They are the words which Aristotle uses of an athlete who flings himself on the ground in collapse after he has surged past the winning post of the race. So Hebrews is in effect saying: “Don’t give up too soon; don’t collapse until the winning post is passed.”
Our solution is to think about His promises as John 14:1-3, His helping grace as in James 4:5-6, His promise of never, ever leaving us (Hebrews 13:5-6), and the Holy Spirit as our helper, encourager, advocate, counselor (John 14:26-28).
V4 “You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.” This is the ultimate martyrdom for those who live and speak the truth. When taking a stand, the opponents will want to destroy you in any way possible. If nothing else, they might kill. All Christians face this possibility; God forbid, but it is possible.
V5 “And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him…” The quote is from Proverbs 3:11-12. The Greek word for “chastening” is (G3809) παιδεία paideía, which means (Thayer) “the whole training and education of children.” This would include teaching, helping, encouraging, disciplining, etc. It is what any father is supposed to do. Christians have the best and ideal Father. God our father knows exactly and individually knows how to train us, encourage us, and discipline us when needed. Everything God does is in wisdom, love, and holiness. God’s rebuke is not with a tone of fierce, loud anger, but of firmness yet reasonable. He does not seek to destroy but to build up faith, etc.
V6 “…For whom the LORD loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If we have this training, it shows us His love. Sometimes his disciplining is not comfortable, sometimes his allowing us to be refined is not comfortable, but all ends eventually and there are blessings (Job and Joseph). Job’s refinement and blessings are found in Job 1-2 and Job 42:10-17. Joseph’s refinement and blessings are found in Genesis 37, Genesis 39-41, and Psalm 105:17-22.
We learn:
- To look at Jesus for our example and help
- To remain faithful is good times or bad
- That chastening is a good thing
- That chastening has the goal of edifying us