Focus on Jesus – Hebrews 12:2
One of the key themes in Hebrews is endurance (see chapter 11). In this passage, the author encourages Christian Jews to keep running their race of faith when they’re discouraged. He points to the example of Christ and the promise of God’s love as divine resources that can help them remain focused on the Lord in difficult circumstances.
Discipline and Hardship
In verses 1-6, the author uses the Greek word paideia to describe how God deals with His children as a parent. It refers to the severe disciplining God often gives His children as a way of teaching them righteous living.
The same term is used in Ephesians 6:4 to describe how God communicates His instruction to His children through a system of discipline.
Keeping Focus on Jesus: The Joy Set Before Him
This is the theme of this section of the Bible. It’s the theme that Jesus faced shame and suffering but kept His eyes on the joy that would be His in the completed redemption of a people for God’s glory.
In Hebrews, the apostle urges Christians to lay aside every weight that would be a distraction from their goal of following Jesus. This includes all the sin that clings so tightly to them. In addition, they were to run the race that was set before them with patience. This was not easy but a must. They were to do it because it was important to Jesus that they stay focused on Him and on His redemptive work.
