Looking To Jesus: The Author And Perfecter Of Our Faith - Hebrews 12:2 Series

Looking to Jesus: The Author and Perfecter of Our Faith- Hebrews 12:2

Introduction: Fix Your Eyes

Imagine a runner in the Olympic marathon. The stadium roars, the cameras flash, but the runner hears none of it. His eyes are fixed, his focus unbroken. Ahead lies the finish line—and glory. One distraction could cost everything.

In our discipleship journey, distractions surround us—politics, pressures, temptations, technology, trials. The 21st-century world is louder than ever. And Scripture commands us not simply to run, not merely to endure, but to fix our eyes on Jesus.

Today, we turn to Hebrews 12:2 to learn how disciples follow Jesus with steadfast endurance, Gospel hope, and Spirit-empowered obedience.

I. The Key Verse: Fixing Our Eyes

Hebrews 12:2 (NLT): “We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honour beside God’s throne.”

Hebrews 12 follows the “hall of faith” in Hebrews 11. Jewish believers—persecuted and tempted to return to Judaism—are urged to endure by focusing on Jesus.

Key Greek words:

“keeping our eyes” – aphorao

Meaning: to look away from everything else toward one object with intent.

The disciple rejects distractions to behold Christ above all.

“champion” – archegos

Meaning: originator, pioneer, leader.

Jesus is both the founder and leader of our faith.

“perfects” – teleioo

Meaning: to complete, bring to maturity.

Jesus begins and completes the believer’s journey.

Jesus went before us in suffering, obedience, and victory. He sits enthroned, guaranteeing our endurance. Salvation is His work from beginning to end.

The Mountain Guide

Many years ago climbers attempted Everest. A novice froze at the foot of a deadly ice face. The guide said, “Don’t look at the drop—look at me. Place your feet where mine go.” The climber survived because he fixed his gaze on the one who had gone ahead.

Church, Jesus is our forerunner—not shouting instructions from afar, but leading through suffering toward glory.

Key Point 1: Jesus initiates our faith

Philippians 1:6 (NLT): “And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.”

Paul writes from prison to reassure believers that salvation is God’s work, not human effort.

Greek ergon—work—emphasises divine activity.

Stop striving in your own strength. Trust that Jesus began your salvation and will finish it.

Max Lucado: “God never said the journey would be easy, but He did say the arrival would be worthwhile.”

This quote reminds disciples that endurance is rooted not in our resolve, but Christ's faithfulness.

Key Point 2: Jesus endured the cross

Isaiah 53:5 (NLT): “But he was pierced for our rebellion, crushed for our sins. He was beaten so we could be whole. He was whipped so we could be healed.”

The Suffering Servant prophecy—fulfilled in Christ.

Hebrew chalal – pierced: violent fatal wound.

He bore substitutionary judgement.

The Bridge Operator

A father controlling a railway bridge sacrificed his son to save hundreds on a train. The passengers never knew the cost.

How much greater Christ’s sacrifice—He knew the cost, He chose the cross.

John Piper: “Christ endured the cross to bring us to everlasting joy in God.”

The cross wasn't the end—it was the pathway to eternal joy for those who repent and believe.

Key Point 3: Jesus perfects our faith

Romans 8:29–30 (NLT): “For God knew his people in advance... he called them... gave them right standing... gave them his glory.”

Paul outlines the golden chain of salvation.

Greek doxa – glory – speaks of shared divine life.

Disciples grow because Christ sanctifies. Faith is refined in trial, disciplined through Scripture, and strengthened by the Spirit.

Charles Stanley: “God is committed to your journey. He will not abandon the work of His hands.”

Our confidence is in God’s commitment, not ours.

Key Point 4: Look to Jesus in the 21st century

Colossians 3:2 (NLT): “Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth.”

Paul urges believers to adopt an eternal mindset in a culture of idolatry and distraction.

Greek phroneo – to set one’s mind intentionally.

Modern disciples face constant digital distraction. Anxiety and comparison steal joy. To fix our eyes on Christ means to discipline our focus—Scripture before scrolling, worship before worry.

Tim Keller: “What the heart most loves, the mind dwells on, and the will follows.”

A disciple who fixes their eyes on Jesus will walk in His ways.

Gospel Presentation:

Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, lived a sinless life, obeyed the Father perfectly, died on the cross for our sins, bearing our punishment, was buried, and rose from the grave defeating sin and death.

By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, we are saved from God’s wrath and given eternal life.