Looking to Jesus
Hebrews 12:1–2
Therefore let’s also, seeing we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let’s run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
World English Bible
The key to endurance is focus. The writer of Hebrews does not tell us to look within for strength or to look around for motivation. He tells us to look to Jesus — the one who started our faith and who will bring it to completion.
Jesus endured the cross not because it was pleasant, but because of the joy set before Him. He saw beyond the suffering to the purpose. He saw beyond the shame to the glory. His endurance was fueled by a vision that transcended the present moment.
When we fix our eyes on Jesus, our burdens do not disappear, but they are placed in proper perspective. The race is still long. The weights are still real. Sin still clings. But with our eyes on Him, we find the strength to keep running.
Every other focus eventually disappoints. Only Jesus can sustain us from start to finish.
Reflect
- What has been distracting my focus from Jesus lately?
- What weight or clinging sin do I need to lay aside to run more freely?
- How can I intentionally fix my eyes on Christ today?
Pray
Ask God to help you fix your eyes on Jesus above everything else. Pray for the endurance to keep running and the faith to trust that He will bring your race to completion.