Hebrews 12:1-2 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which does so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

‘Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight …’ Five things to do: Lay aside every weight (12:1). [Greek: ongkos] meaning bulk; mass; heap; weight. In a bad sense, it means arrogance and conceit. Paul’s purpose here is to get the believer to lay aside whatever weight is hindering Christian progress. Lay aside the sin which so easily beset us (12:1). [Greek: hamartia] missing the mark in a moral sense. The sin that easily besets is the one each person has been addicted to, whatever his weakness. Run with patience the race set before us (12:1). [Greek: agon] meaning fight or conflict. Translated as “race” (12:1); “fight” (1Tim. 6:12; 2Tim. 4:7); “contention” (1Thess. 2:2); and “conflict” (Php. 1:30; Col. 2:1). Look unto Jesus (12:2). He is the head of all the long train of faith heroes. He is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. Consider Him (12:3). Observe and analyze every part of His life and conduct, His courage in suffering.

Christ is better than Old Testament saints: He is the Creator of all (1:2; 11:3). He is the author and perfecter of their faith (12:1-2). He was their Saviour (12:2; 10:1-18). The one they all looked for and had faith in (11:4-40).

‘Joy that was set before him.’ The joy set before Him was the redemption of creation through doing the Father’s will (Ps. 40:6).

‘Set down at the right hand of the throne of God.’ This is His rightful place because of His achievements and exaltation to original glory (Matt. 26:64; Mark 16:19; Acts 2:34; 7:56-57; Rom. 8:34; Eph. 1:20; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; 1Pet. 3:22). After Christ made His supreme sacrifice His work for sins was finished. He could then sit down and wait to see His work completed in the lives of believers who would be freed from sin and delivered from their enemies (10:12-14; 1:3; 12:2; Ps. 110:4).