Hebrews 12:1-2: Looking unto Jesus
2023-11-25
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)
The word “Wherefore” begins a new section. In other words, because of all those examples of people given in Hebrews 11, we should conclude with the forthcoming application.
We were given many diverse examples of faith in action. How these men and women were led of the Lord through mountains and valleys show us how we should respond. They had their eyes on the Lord and disregarded how the world system contradicted the Lord’s direction. They sojourned in a world that was not theirs and looked for the city of God. Many died because of it.
That is our example, to pursue the Lord and His kingdom regardless of the environment in which we find ourselves.
Because of this, we are told lay aside two things: (1) weight, and (2) sin. The first thing to lay aside is “every weight.” Being a hapax legomenon, there are no other examples of what this means. However, we can easily see this is anything that is not necessarily sin but distracts you from the Lord.
Consider Peter and some of the other disciples that were fishermen. When they followed Jesus, they left their vocation behind. “And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him” (Matthew 4:19-20). This is better detailed in Luke 5:1-11. The fishermen were washing their nets while Jesus preached. After an unsuccessful night of fishing, Peter listened to Jesus to cast out the nets again. Catching so many fish, Peter recognized Jesus’ lordship over creation and his own sinfulness that he and the sons of Zebedee gave up everything and followed Jesus.
Is there anything wrong with fishing? Of course not. A lot of people just fish for fun and it is just a way to pass time or whatever. For these men, it was their entire lives and livelihood. If it did not work out, they were out money and dinner. They gave that up to follow Jesus Christ.
The second thing to lay aside is sin. This is more obvious than the weight. Recall the previous verses: “For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries” (Hebrews 10:26-27). We will also see coming up that one can expect chastisement because of sin.
Sin “doth so easily beset us.” The old man or sin nature is prone to sin and never improves. One moment of not seeking the Lord and we will fall. This phrase is represented by a single word and it is like a competitor that is continually there. This imagery harmonizes well with the idea of a race that needs to be won. The patience is an endurance needed to complete that race. As a former competitive swimmer, let me shed a little light on this matter. Do not get the idea that long distance races are when you loaf but at a consistent pace across a long distance. You are still going all-out, perhaps not like a short sprint, but you are still very strong over a long time. I would presume the Christian life is meant the same way as this metaphor.
Moreover, the race is set before us. We didn’t choose the race or design the course really. The Lord Himself designed the course for each of us, and we must lawfully play to win.
Hebrews 12:2
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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)
We look to Jesus, who is the finish line. He created the course and ran before us and completed it. During a race, even at peak performance, you experience pain. The reason for all your painful training is for this race, which is also painful. You strive with everything in your being to be the first to cross the finish line. The race is the athlete’s focus, and every activity is done with the championship in mind. So, Jesus is not just the finish line; He also is the coach and the model athlete to emulate.
Jesus’ race had the agony and shame of the cross, but His finish line was the throne of God. Whatever agony and shame we have in this life, and there will be some, we continue to look at the goal: Jesus Christ on His throne. There was a joy that far exceeded the torture He went through. Likewise, we look for something far greater that more than compensates for this world of sorrow and care.