Whereas the imagery given in Hebrews 12:1–2 is of a race, and of an object to focus on while we run, today’s verse goes a bit deeper. The writer encourages us to “consider Him.” This word consider means to “weigh the value of.” As we look at the life of the Lord Jesus and all that He endured, we will be encouraged to press on and to neither turn back nor give up on the journey of faith.

The path of faith can be extremely difficult; at times we can become weary and discouraged. We have a whole chapter in Hebrews 11 that ought to encourage our souls, but even more so, when we consider what our Lord and Savior endured, we see that it is far too early for us to give up! Our Savior endured the hostility of sinners at the cross, and it reached its climax when they nailed Him to it and watched Him breathe His last. Scripture records what He endured, but even more than that, how He endured it. He prayed for them, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Lk. 23:34)!

You and I have never faced such evil, but as we weigh the value of what He endured, it will help stabilize and strengthen us for what we might be passing through. As we run the race of life, we might struggle from time to time, but that is the nature of the race. The word translated race actually means “to agonize” or “to struggle.” But when we focus on the Lord Jesus Christ, we will find encouragement to “press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:14).