Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that lay before Him endured a cross and despised the shame and has sat down at the right hand of God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 (CSB)

The author of the book of Hebrews is writing mostly to Jewish Christians. He expects the audience to bear a thorough knowledge of Torah and the main events that happened in the text, like, how Abraham’s family became the nation of Israel, how Moses led them out of the wilderness, how God made the covenant on Mount Sinai, the tabernacle and their wilderness wanderings.

The author is making the claim that Christ is superior to all things, and he asserts that he is superior to Angels (Ch. 1-2), he is superior to Moses (Ch. 3-4), He is superior to Aaron the high priest, whose sacrifice is temporary. But Christ is the forever priest in the order of Melchizedek (Ch. 4-7). Christ’s covenant is superior, and his sacrifice that cleanses the conscience is once and for all (Ch. 8-10:18).

Part of the reason he is establishing the superiority of Christ is to speak to the persecution that these Jewish Christians are going through, and many of them are leaving the faith and walking away from Jesus (10:32). The author goes through the stories of a series of Old Testament characters and their faith stories. These individuals proceeded through testing and trail in various ways—all by faith. 1) By faith they looked forward to the promise of Jesus. 2) By faith they received Gods’ verdict of righteousness. 3) By faith they refused to turn back in the face of suffering.

Bearing all that in mind, the author is now exhorting the readers that they are running their allotted race in the presence of those who have already finished this race with honors. But the greatest of all who has run this race is Jesus. Our principal encouragement is found in the person and work of Christ. He is the founder of our faith. By the sanctifying work of the Spirit, our faith is perfected. For the joy of becoming the savior of his people, Jesus endured the cross — a form of punishment despised both by Romans and Jews. But now, he is seated on the right hand of God’s throne.

Two things stand out to me. One, may we be willing to endure suffering of any kind because of the treasure we have in Christ. Second, may we be willing to share this good news of our savior to a perishing world that is suffering without Christ. May we not shrink back in our call, and may we make disciples as we go.