How was it that Jesus took the events of Mark 15 so patiently? Among other horrible things, he was falsely accused, crucified, and mocked by those around him. It is so easy for me to fight back when I am accused of wrong and to try to get out of it. And for our Lord, it would have been right for him to tell his accusers that they were wrong. It would have been right to fight against those who were hurting him. It would have been right to have an army of angels to deliver him from the suffering. But Jesus had a different perspective that kept him through the suffering.

“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” (Heb. 12:2).

Jesus saw the big picture and allowed his suffering to take place for our sakes. He knew that our forgiveness and new life was impossible without the shedding of his blood. So, he endured what nobody else would have for us. That same attitude ought to change the way we look at the difficulties of life. Instead of fretting about trouble, every Christian should be looking at the bigger picture and find joy in suffering. Our good attitude can point others toward the Savior.