Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
V1 “Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us…” This doesn’t mean that believers who have died are literally around us. They are in heaven with Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:8-9 and Philippians 1:21-24). It is their testimonies that surround us. Since, they overcame the world (system), we can also with God’s help. There are some things that we need to jettison: 1) anything that hinders our living for Jesus, witnessing, reading and studying the Scriptures, fellowship, etc. and 2) sin (compare Romans 7). Sin is very deceiving. Sin deceives us by 1) false promises of sinful pleasures with consequences, 2) promoting our “freedom” in Christ. We are not to do this: 1) might cause others to sin when our “freedom” is something against their conscience (1 Corinthians 8:9), 2) might hinder or blaspheme the glory of God (2 Samuel 12:14), and Romans 3:7-8), and 3) not just because one time will not hurt anything. The freedoms we have in Christ are to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13). The writer gives an analogy with athletics of running the race. The race is the Christian life in this world. We have a goal where we are to remain faithful to Jesus. It has nothing to do with losing salvation but does affect our rewards.
V2 “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus finished His race successfully. He stands at the goal line cheering us to finish, and we can with His amazing grace. “Author” is the Greek word (G747) ἀρχηγός archēgós, which means the top leader and one who leads the people. Jesus is that leader. He is prophet, priest, and king. He is Lord of the church (Colossians 1:18). Jesus lead the way with His teachings, way of life, endurance (John 16:33), faithfulness, etc., so that we, who believe and trust in Him, are also able (Jude 1:24-25). Jesus is also called the prince (same word) of life in Acts 3:15, prince (same word) and savior at the Father’s right hand in Acts 5:31, and Captain (same word) of our salvation in Hebrews 2:10. The Greek word “finisher” is (G5051) τελειωτής teleiōtḗs, which means the one who completes or finishes something. Strong’s notes: “one who has in his own person raised faith to its perfection and so set before us the highest example of faith.” Even with and through all the trials, temptations, mockery, rejection, etc. that the Lord Jesus experienced, Jesus had a promise and dedication that is our example. He knew the joy promised Him, so pushed forward to complete it. With God’s grace, we can also. “Endured” and “despising” refer to the unknown and severe wrath of God when Jesus was on the cross. There was also mockery even at and in His suffering (Matthew 27:40-43).
We learn:
- We can be motivated and inspired by testimonies of believers who have died.
- We are to study the life of Jesus to learn from His teachings, worldview, and how to deal with others.