2. Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

3. Because Of Who He Is v. 2 He is our “author” or “leader” Some translations read “pioneer” Same word as “captain” in 2:10 Often referred to a hero, a city founder Also a military term, denoting one who blazes the trail for his men Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

4. Because Of Who He Is v. 2 He is our “finisher” or “perfecter” One who in his own person raises something to its highest degree, or standard This “something” is our FAITH This idea is somewhat connected to what is found in Jn 19:30 Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

5. Because Of Who He Is v. 2 Jesus is the One who has raised faith in God to highest level He attained perfection in His faith, especially through His sufferings cp. 5:7-10 Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

6. Because Of What He Did v. 2 He “endured the cross” Death by crucifixion was reserved for criminals, “societal scum” Jesus suffered as few men have ever been called upon to suffer cp. Phil 2:8 Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

7. Because Of What He Did v. 2 He “endured the cross” Crucifixion was indeed torturous Victims were unable to help themselves Jesus could have…but did not Mt 26:51-54 cp. 2 Kings 19:35 Jesus “endured” His cross Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

8. Because Of What He Did v. 2 He “despised the shame” He had to rise above the “disgraceful stigma” of being put death this way He wouldn’t allow such shame to prevent Him from doing God’s will Jesus “despised” it Ù “to disdain; think little or nothing of” Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

9. Because Of What He Did v. 2 He “despised the shame” Many times, the disgrace of something will be so strong it will prevent us from doing it cp. 1 Tim 2:9 Not so with Jesus & His crucifixion… He endured such hostility v. 3 Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

10. Because Of Where He Is v. 2 All He did was “for the joy set before Him” This was His motivation that helped Him “endure” and “despise” This no doubt refers to His exaltation for doing His Father’s will Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3 cp. Eph 1:19-23 Phil 2:5-11

11. Because Of Where He Is v. 2 All He did was “for the joy set before Him” When we follow Jesus, we will share this glory with Him 2 Tim 2:8-12a We have His word on it Jn 14:2-3 Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

12. Conclusion Connect all these thoughts with our previous lesson from vv. 1-2a – “The Race Before Us” To complete the race, we must follow our Leader and “Trailblazer” cp. Heb 2:10 Eph 4:7-10 Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3

13. Conclusion Jesus… …ran His race …stands at the finish line, bidding us to come to Him Following The Author & Finisher Of Our Faith Heb 12:2b-3