Hebrews 12:1-3 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 12:1-3 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 12Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, Verse 2looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God. Verse 3Consider him who endured such hostility against himself from sinners, so that you may not grow weary or lose heart.
Devotion
In the middle of this Holy Week, Jesus summarizes his teaching: "I came not to judge the world, but to save the world," and then also summarizes the commandments, "I give you a new commandment, that you love one another" (John 12:47; 13:34). The Epistle to the Hebrews tells us to "run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and the perfecter of our faith, who ... endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The two verses from John summarize our faith and our life, and the verses from Hebrews summarize our future with Jesus. The next few days in Jesus' life show us how it all happened, and these events define what we believe, how we live and what we hope for!
Prayer
Lord Jesus, in the next days we will experience again all you have done for us. We thank you that you are for us "the way, the truth and the life." Amen.