Hebrews 12:2
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Encouragement always comes so much better from someone who’s “been there and done that.” This truth is what makes Jesus Christ not only your greatest strength and nourishment in the midst of this race called life, but your ultimate example as well.
It’s one thing to understand that you’ll never make it to the finish line without a sincere faith in Him. It’s a completely different ballgame once you realize that the very one you are putting your faith in is also the “author and pefecter” of that faith. His death on the cross created substance behind the faith of those listed in Hebrews 11. Furthermore, His death was a one-time, fully satisfying act of perfection.
His death marked the perfect birth of a meaningful faith. As Paul illustrates, He now serves as our greatest example through three amazing acts of love. Hebrews 12:2 says that He joyfully: endured the cross, despised its shame, and then sat down at the right hand of the Father.
The greatest of these is the fact that Jesus Christ, serving as our High Priest before God… sat down. In the Old Testament, the job of the High Priest was never completed. He could offer sacrifices for the people’s sin, but there would always be the need to offer more. Not this time. Our Lord and Savior has run the race before you, taking on the guilt and the shame of your cross, despised it, and is now seated at the right hand of God. That is why you must keep your eyes on Him.