Hebrews 12:2, Looking Unto Jesus
Introduction: the context of Hebrews 12:1-3 surrounds the description of the saints in chapter eleven: Jesus as the Author and Sustainer of our salvation and faith, and the hope that He provides. The key word is HOPE.
The object of the race is Jesus Himself. The Hebrews were told to run with patience: looking unto Jesus. He is the end of the race, the goal, and the final objective.
12:2 Looking unto Jesus – aforwnteV - Pres Act Ptc - looking away from one object of affection, then fixing your eyes on a new and more important thing or person. In this context it focusing on the One who is the Author and Sustainer of our faith.
and I will wait upon the Lord and look for Him… Isaiah 8:17
Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is none else. Isa. 45:22
Therefore will I look unto the Lord; I will wait for the God of my salvation: my God will I hear. Micah 7:7
For our conversation is in heaven; from whence we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ. Phil. 3:20
Author – archgon - founder, originator, pioneer, leader, point man, literally, “first lead” setting an example and preparing the way for us. He has blazed the trail of faith by making it possible for us to live by faith.
He has tasted death for every man…He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us…but now once in the end of the world hath He appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself…so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many.
Finisher – teleiwthn - perfector – He will carry through completely and perfectly each and every responsibility. He is the finisher of all that He has begun, and is the One who will allow us the grace and power to fulfill our faith. His work of salvation for us is seen as already Finished, because it is part of His character as God to be the Finisher. It was and is His responsibility to complete His Word and work on our behalf.
Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: Phil 1:6
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Rev. 1:8
Who for the joy that set before Him – prokeimenhV - Pres Ptc – in the direct sight of something, before His very eyes.
Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. Isa. 53:10-11
Endured the cross – upemeine - He “took patiently the cross with great courage, under extreme suffering and duress.” He exchanged the glories of Heaven for the cross of Calvary that was set before Him. He pursued the cross with vigor and diligence.
Despising the shame – He looked down upon the shame and disgrace of the cross, seeing the full implications of His eternal sacrifice and viewed the cross as “nothing” compared to the result of His death for the world.
Matthew 27:28-44 tells us: They stripped him, put on him a scarlet robe, platted a crown of thorns upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, spit upon him, and smote him on the head. They mocked him, and led him away to crucify him. At Calvary they gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: they crucified him, parted his garments, casting lots: And sitting down they watched him there; they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads, And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him...The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
And is set down at the right hand of the throne of God - it is Christ who has risen from the dead, and it is Christ who is now seated at the right hand of the Father. The word translated “at” in the Greek text shows a fixed position!