Agustin Alonso
Author: Stephen Weller
1,387 words, 7 minutes read time
Looking To Jesus
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. (Hebrews 12:2 ESV)
Faith is in someone or something. In this case Jesus is the founder of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10) through his death on the cross as our perfect sacrifice. It is in that finished work on the cross that our faith is based on. As we study the gospels, we learn more about Jesus and his teaching and as we study the writings of Paul we understand more about the gospel in application. Through this process of learning (2 Timothy 2:15), under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, our faith is perfected.
Providing our salvation was at great cost to the Son of God. He had to be willing to humble himself through the birth process of a virgin, to take on a body of human flesh, to become fully man and fully God. In that body, he had to live a perfect life and then endure the pain, suffering and shame of crucifixion. As the holy Son of God, he had to be willing to drink fully the contents of the cup of God’s wrath in taking upon himself our sin. Becoming sin in our place resulted in the Father turning his back on Jesus. Try to imagine how forsaken Jesus must have felt when his Father turned away. Think about those who put him on the cross: “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not” (Isaiah 53:3 ESV).
Despite feeling totally alone, dying on the cross as our sin sunk deep into his soul, he was willing to endure it because of the joy that was set before him. “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities” (Isaiah 53:11 ESV). His joy was in the “many to be accounted righteous” that he would enjoy for an eternity. With our fascination with the world, I don’t believe we have developed the required intimate relationship with Jesus to experience this hope of eternal joy with him that he has for us.
Father how we need a joy to be set before us to be with Jesus that we would be willing to endure suffering to work out our salvation and serve him in obedience in this life. Jesus was willing to sacrifice everything for us. How much are we willing to sacrifice for him?
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Summary Theme
Fixing Our Eyes on Jesus: The Author and Perfecter of Faith
Summary Paragraph
Hebrews 12:2 calls believers to turn their full attention toward Jesus Christ, who is both the source and completion of true faith. After describing the great cloud of faithful witnesses in Hebrews 11, the writer directs believers to the supreme example; Jesus Himself. Christ endured the suffering and shame of the cross because of the joy set before Him: the accomplishment of redemption and the glory that would follow. His endurance, obedience, sacrifice, and victory provide strength and encouragement for believers facing trials, persecution, weariness, or discouragement. The verse reminds Christians that faith is not merely about beginning the journey with God but persevering faithfully until the end through dependence upon Christ.
Discussion Questions with Extended Answers:
1. What does it mean to “look to Jesus” in Hebrews 12:2?
Answer:
To “look to Jesus” means more than simply acknowledging Him intellectually. It describes a continual focus of the heart, mind, and life upon Christ. In the context of Hebrews 12, believers are running a spiritual race that requires endurance. Just as a runner keeps his eyes fixed on the finish line, Christians are called to keep their attention centered on Jesus rather than becoming distracted by fear, suffering, temptation, or worldly concerns.
Looking to Jesus includes trusting His promises, following His example, meditating on His Word, and depending upon His strength. It also means remembering who He is; the Son of God who perfectly obeyed the Father and completed the work of redemption. When believers fix their eyes on Christ, they gain perspective during trials because Jesus Himself endured suffering and overcame it victoriously.
2. Why is Jesus called the “founder and perfecter” of faith?
Answer:
Jesus is called the “founder” of faith because salvation begins with Him. Faith itself is rooted in His person and work. He is the source of redemption, the object of saving faith, and the One who initiates God’s saving work in believers. No one can come to God apart from Christ.
He is also the “perfecter” of faith because He brings faith to completion. Jesus not only saves believers initially but continues to sustain, strengthen, mature, and ultimately glorify them. The Christian life is not maintained by human strength alone; Christ continually works in His people through the Holy Spirit. This gives believers confidence that the God who begins His work in them will faithfully complete it.
In addition, Jesus perfectly demonstrated what faithfulness looks like through His obedience to the Father, even unto death on the cross. He is both the model and the accomplisher of true faith.
3. What was “the joy set before” Jesus?
Answer:
The “joy set before” Jesus refers to the future victory and glory that would come through His suffering and sacrifice. Jesus willingly endured the cross because He knew the outcome of His obedience. That joy included fulfilling the Father’s will, defeating sin and death, providing salvation for His people, and being exalted in glory at the Father’s right hand.
The joy also included bringing many sons and daughters into salvation. Christ endured unimaginable suffering because of His love for sinners and His desire to redeem them. Though the cross was filled with shame, pain, and rejection, Jesus looked beyond the suffering to the eternal results of redemption.
This truth teaches believers an important lesson about endurance. Christians can persevere through temporary hardship because they know that God’s promises and eternal glory await them. Just as Jesus endured for future joy, believers are called to remain faithful with eternal hope in view.
4. What does it mean that Jesus “despised the shame” of the cross?
Answer:
Crucifixion in the ancient world was designed not only to bring physical pain but also public humiliation and shame. Victims were mocked, rejected, and displayed publicly as criminals. Yet Jesus “despised the shame,” meaning He refused to let the humiliation of the cross deter Him from accomplishing the Father’s will.
Jesus understood that the shame imposed by sinful humanity could not compare to the glory and victory that would result from His sacrifice. He willingly accepted rejection and suffering in order to save sinners. His focus remained fixed upon obedience to God rather than public opinion or earthly honor.
This challenges believers today to remain faithful to Christ even when following Him may bring ridicule, opposition, or rejection from the world. Jesus endured shame for us, and His example strengthens believers to endure faithfully for Him.
5. Why is Jesus now seated at the right hand of the throne of God?
Answer:
Jesus being seated at the right hand of God signifies His completed work, authority, victory, and exaltation. After His death and resurrection, Christ ascended into heaven and took His place of honor beside the Father. Unlike Old Testament priests who continually offered sacrifices, Jesus completed the perfect sacrifice for sin once and for all.
His seated position also demonstrates His reign as King and Lord. He rules with divine authority over all creation and intercedes for His people. For believers, this truth provides confidence and assurance because the One who suffered for them now reigns victoriously.
Hebrews 12:2 therefore presents both the suffering Savior and the exalted King. Jesus endured the cross, conquered death, and now reigns in glory, giving believers hope, strength, and assurance as they continue their own race of faith.
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