Fifteen years ago, I embarked on a personal challenge: completing a half marathon in Long Beach. The early miles were fueled by enthusiasm, but by mile 10, weariness took over. My legs felt like rubber, and each step required more effort than the last. My husband’s encouragement helped, but the true catalyst for perseverance was a commitment to finish well.
The Christian walk mirrors a marathon, filled with challenges, hills, and moments of exhaustion. Hebrews 12:1-3 captures this journey:
“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, laying aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles us, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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. For consider Him who has endured such hostility against Himself, so that you will not grow weary, fainting in heart” (LSB).
The original audience of Hebrews faced intense persecution from the Roman government, friends, and family as they pursued Christ. They endured insults, reproaches, and even the seizure of their property (Hebrews 10:32-34). These challenges revealed their heart responses: instead of fixing their gaze on Christ, some were tempted to revert to the familiar comforts of Judaism, seeking solace in the old covenant rather than persevering in their faith rooted in the new covenant. In their hardship, some even regressed into willful sin, succumbing to the allure of their former ways. Thus, the heat of their circumstances became a refining fire, exposing the true condition of their hearts.
In much the same way, as counselors, we often walk alongside counselees who feel as though they’ve hit “mile 10” in their life journeys. The relentless challenges of life leave them spiritually fatigued, their legs too wobbly to press on. In many ways, our role mirrors that of a supportive bystander, urging counselees to persevere.
Reducing the Weight and Laying aside the Sin
For example, verse one urges believers to “lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily entangles.” The word “weight” suggests unnecessary burdens that slow our progress. These may not be sinful but can still hinder spiritual growth—like excessive commitments, screen time, or hobbies. For the original audience, this weight was the temptation to return to the comforts of Judaism under persecution.
Verse one also addresses “sin which so easily entangles,” likened to a robe tangling a runner’s legs. For the Hebrew Christians, this sin was unbelief. Laying sin aside requires repentance, prayer, and renewing our minds in Scripture (Romans 12:2).
Run with Endurance
The next exhortation in verse one is to run the course with endurance. In ancient Greece, one of the famous foot races was the Stade, a short, fast sprint of about 200 yards. However, the Dolichos was a grueling three-mile race, requiring 18-24 laps around the track. This race demanded a different kind of runner—stockier and built for stamina, able to sustain the physical and mental demands of endurance.
The writer of Hebrews envisions the Dolichos as a metaphor for the Christian life, a long-distance race emphasizing perseverance. The Greek word for “endurance” is hypomonē, meaning sustained effort under stress and a steady determination to keep going, even when everything in you wants to give up.
The Hebrew Christians began their race with enthusiasm, but as persecution and trials arose, they grew weary and lost their zeal. Their struggle mirrors the challenges we face today. But the exhortation is clear: press on! We must encourage our counselees not to give up but strive toward holiness while abiding in Christ. To live a life of faith, run with steadfast determination, and aim to cross the finish line strong.
Resist Looking Back—Fix Your Eyes on Christ
Just as distractions hinder a runner, they also impede progress in the Christian life. A runner distracted by competitors, the crowd, or their own struggles, will falter. Similarly, Christians must stay focused on the ultimate goal to run well, which is the Savior.
The Greek phrase “fixing our eyes on Jesus” literally means “to look away to Jesus,” emphasizing a fixed, unwavering gaze that remains steadfast despite circumstances. This present-tense directive calls believers to continuously focus on Christ—not only at the starting line but throughout the entire race, especially when challenges arise.
One common pitfall for counselees is turning inward, becoming consumed by their struggles. This can lead to bitterness, self-pity, or despair. The Hebrew preacher urges all believers to resist these distractions and deliberately fix their eyes on Christ, running with endurance toward the finish line.
To underscore this truth, the author highlights Jesus as both the “Founder” and “Perfecter” of faith. The term “Founder” (archēgos) signifies originator, pioneer, or leader. While chapter 11 celebrates the faith of saints who inspire us, Jesus is the Forerunner of the race, surpassing all others. Just as elite racers inspire others to follow, Jesus leads as the ultimate example, demonstrating endurance and obedience to the Father’s will.
The author also intentionally uses the human name “Jesus” to emphasize His humanity. Despite facing extreme trials, Jesus completed the race with unwavering faith and steadfastness, refusing to falter.
As the “Perfecter” of faith, Jesus not only initiated our faith but also ensures its completion (cf. Philippians 1:6). His endurance serves as the ultimate example for believers. When our counselees feel unable to continue, they must fix their gaze on Him, trusting His leadership to carry them to the finish line.
Remember His Plight
In verse 3, the writer exhorts believers to, “Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted” The word for “consider” is analogizomai meaning “to reckon up, to consider by way of comparison.”
When weariness tempts our counselees to give up, help them to “consider” Jesus by reflecting on His mocking, assaults, scourging, betrayal by Judas, false accusations, death at the hands of His own people, and ultimately drinking the cup of the Father’s wrath in our place. Meditating on Jesus’ suffering inspires perseverance, even when the path grows perilous.
Final Thoughts
The Christian race is often strenuous and challenging.Yet, the author of Hebrews through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit exhorts Christians to stay the course by reducing the weight and laying aside their sin, resisting looking back by fixing their eyes on Christ their eyes on Christ, and remembering Jesus’ plight.
As a counselor, how can you encourage your weary counselees to reflect on what may be weighing them down or entangling them in sin? How can you help them consider their need for endurance, to look away from themselves and fix their gaze on Christ? How can you point them back to the example of Jesus, who endured hostility and suffering for the joy set before Him?
Let us remind them that they are not running this race alone. Together, we can help them stay the course, drawing strength from God’s Word and the ultimate prize ahead. May we guide them to anticipate the day when they will hear Jesus say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! Enter into the joy of your Master” (Matthew 25:23).
