Running the Race - Part 4

Hebrews 12:3

Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.

This example for the Christian life flows right into verse three where the author continues to speak of Christ’s sufferings in comparison to the Christian’s. From there, the author provides the encouragement for Christians to persevere. But there is a switch in verse three that focuses on a new aspect of Jesus’ suffering. Attridge points out that the author switches the focus of the suffering to “the hostility of sinners.”[1] And Koester shows how this hostility came from the Jewish leaders and men who crucified Jesus.[2] Once again, the author takes the sufferings that Jesus faced and compares them with what Christians will continue to experience. Suffering will be a part of the Christian life, and Christians will face many of the same trials that Jesus endured. So the author once again directs their attention to Jesus as he provides another exhortation on endurance.

In the second part of this verse, the author states that if their focus remains on Jesus they will be able to continue in the race, not growing weary. Delitzsch makes an interesting comparison back to the sporting imagery. He compares the soul’s weariness from trials to that of weakened knees of a runner.[3] Just as it is easy for a runner to grow weary after a long race, the Christian can grow weary after enduring many trials. However, the encouragement this verse provides will help spur the Christian on. But more than physical exhaustion, the author also provides encouragement to his fellow Christians to not give up. Guthrie points out that “to lose heart” can be translated as “fainting or giving up.” He says that their weariness would also lead to the desire to quit the faith.[4] The idea of quitting is never endorsed in this passage. Instead, the author continues to encourage his readers to endure despite the cost. And endurance will only be possible if they look to Jesus.

But when thinking about endurance, we must also remember that many times endurance involves suffering. That is where verse 4 will pick up next time. Although we are called to endure and persevere, there is never a promise that it will be easy.

[1] Attridge, The Epistle to the Hebrews: A Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews, 358.
[2] Koester, The Anchor Bible: Hebrews, 524-525.
[3] Delitzsch, Commentary on the Epistle to the Hebrews Volume II, 309.
[4] Guthrie, The NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews, 399.

Matt