Hebrews 12:1-2 Christian Standard Bible
12 Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, 2 keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us. The large crowd of witnesses are not only those mentioned in the previous chapter, but all those who have come before us who have followed Jesus Christ. We are not the first ones who have faced suffering or persecution. Again, those he was writing to were considering abandoning ship. We even may feel like throwing in the towel. But Jesus is our lifeline, and He is our anchor. He is the one where we truly find grace and strength.
This is also a picture of people sitting within a stadium watching athletes compete. Those who have gone before us live in the Lord’s presence and whether they are watching everything take place here on the earth we are not sure. But they are the witnesses who have gone before us and their example of faithfulness to the Lord is the example. We must learn from their example and their lives. For their hearts and minds were fixed upon the Lord and His kingdom. Their hearts were not fixed on this world for it is temporary and passing away. But their hearts were fixed upon the Lord alone.
Let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. The word hindrance means weight; impediment. The word ensnare means (a competitor) thwarting (a racer) in every direction[1]. Sin in our lives will impede that which God desires to accomplish in us and through us. Like a runner who is running a race for a prize, the devil will try to do all that he can to impede what God is doing. The devil cannot stop God. But the devil can tempt those who have given their hearts and lives to Jesus Christ to chase after sin. Though it is appealing to our sinful nature, if we choose to partake, it carries with it destruction. When we truly see sin for what it is, we will flee from it. The greatest sin of all is rejecting and abandoning Jesus Christ. Those who would seek comfort over being willing to suffer for the name of Jesus, were in a very dangerous place. Throughout the letter the writer has not only given warnings, but given encouragement to stay the course. Like a good coach he gives directions on removing the sin that so easily entangles and ensnares the life of the believer.
We are told to run with endurance the race that lies before us[2]. The word endurance means steadfastness, steadfast endurance — the power to withstand hardship or stress; especially the inward fortitude necessary[3]. This journey of faith is not an easy one. It is not a one-hundred-meter sprint. It is a marathon in which throughout the course of the journey we will face temptations and we will face trails. Through everything the grace and strength of God will prove sufficient. But we must abide in Christ. We are called to run with endurance. This endurance is not found in ourselves. The writer is making it clear that this journey will not be easy. There is a race set before us by Almighty God. There is a cloud of witnesses who has gone before us and who surrounds us. We are not alone. But we must run this race and keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ.
Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith[4]. The word pioneer means prince. A preeminent ruler or originator.[5] The word perfecter means perfecter — a person who brings something to completion without defect or blemish[6]. It is Christ who has gone before us. He understands everything we have gone through because He has walked in our shoes. He has fully become flesh, and He has been tempted in every way. He is our faithful and compassionate High Priest. We can look to Jesus for everything. There is nothing we will face that Jesus has not faced. There is nothing we will go through in which we will be alone. We are called to not only trust Jesus with everything, but we are also called to keep our eyes fixed upon Him. He is the prize; He is the reward. He has paid our debt. He has redeemed us. He has taken the punishment we deserve. We simply run this race and live to glorify and honor Him.
For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God[7]. Why did Jesus endure the cross? He did it for the joy that was set before Him. Was the cross pleasant? No. Jesus prayed three times if this cup can pass from me, but not my will but your will be done. Jesus embraced the cross because it was the Father’s will. He is the ultimate example. We are called to embrace the cross. Jesus said if any man is to come after me he must take up his cross and follow me. Jesus has completed the will of the Father. He has cried it is finished. He has sat down at the right hand of God. It is a position of authority. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. This is why we have joy. This is why we fix our eyes upon Jesus. This world is not our home. Our home is in Heaven, and we run this race with our eyes fixed upon our Lord and Savior.
Prayer
Jesus thank you for choosing the cross. Thank you for enduring the shame and the enduring the pain and suffering of Calvary. Thank you for how much you love me. Thank you that you chose to give your life and be the authority and perfector of our faith. Thank you that you sit at the right hand of the Father. Thank you for all that I have by your grace. May your will be done in my life and may you be glorified in all things. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!
[1] James Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 33.
[2] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heb 12:1.
[3] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[4] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heb 12:2.
[5] Francesco Bianchi, “Prince,” ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Theological Wordbook, Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).
[6] Rick Brannan, ed., Lexham Research Lexicon of the Greek New Testament, Lexham Research Lexicons (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2020).
[7] Christian Standard Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2020), Heb 12:2.
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