Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith meaning

      The saying "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" is found in Hebrews 12:2 (KJV): "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

      This verse is a powerful encouragement to believers, urging them to fix their eyes on Jesus as the ultimate example of faith and perseverance. It reminds Christians that Jesus is both the source (author) and completer (finisher) of their faith journey. By studying this verse, we gain insight into what it means to follow Jesus with unwavering trust, especially in the face of challenges.

1. "Looking Unto Jesus" – Fixing Our Eyes on Christ

      "Looking unto Jesus" implies a focused and intentional gaze. It is not a casual glance but an unwavering, deep attention toward Christ. This means:

● Trusting Jesus in every situation – Just as a runner fixes their eyes on the finish line, believers should keep their focus on Jesus, not on the distractions or difficulties of life.

● Avoiding distractions – Life is filled with worries, temptations, and challenges, but we are called to keep our eyes on Christ rather than being overwhelmed by the circumstances around us.

● Following His example – Jesus lived a perfect life, full of faith and obedience. By looking to Him, we learn how to navigate our own faith journey.

      In Matthew 14:29-30, Peter walked on water toward Jesus, but the moment he took his eyes off Him and focused on the storm, he began to sink. This illustrates the importance of keeping our spiritual focus on Christ, regardless of life's storms.

2. "The Author and Finisher of Our Faith" – Jesus as the Beginning and Completion of Faith

      The terms "author" and "finisher" emphasize that Jesus is both the originator and perfecter of faith.

● Jesus as the Author – Faith originates in Christ. He is the reason we believe because He has revealed God to us (John 1:18). His life, teachings, and sacrifice are the foundation of Christian faith.

● Jesus as the Finisher – He completes what He started. Through His death and resurrection, He made salvation possible and secures our faith until the end. Philippians 1:6 says, "He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

      Jesus did not just teach faith; He lived it. He fully trusted the Father’s plan, even when it led to suffering on the cross. By doing so, He demonstrated how we, too, should live by faith.

3. "Who for the Joy That Was Set Before Him Endured the Cross" – Perseverance Through Suffering

      Jesus endured the cross not because it was easy but because He looked beyond it to the joy that awaited Him. The "joy set before Him" refers to:

● The salvation of humanity – Jesus endured suffering so that we could be reconciled with God.

● His resurrection and victory over sin – His suffering was temporary, but His victory was eternal.

● His exaltation at God’s right hand – After completing His mission, He was glorified.

      For believers, this teaches that suffering is not the end of the story. Just as Jesus endured trials for a greater purpose, Christians can endure difficulties, knowing that eternal joy awaits them.

4. "Despising the Shame" – Overcoming Disgrace with Purpose

      The cross was a symbol of shame and humiliation, yet Jesus did not let that stop Him. He despised the shame—meaning He disregarded it, knowing that the reward was far greater.

      This teaches believers that no matter how difficult or humiliating their trials may be, they should not be discouraged.

      Like Jesus, they can find strength in knowing that their faithfulness will be rewarded.

5. "Set Down at the Right Hand of the Throne of God" – Christ's Victory

      After His resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven and sat at the right hand of God, a position of power and authority. This signifies:

● His victory over sin and death.

● His role as our intercessor and high priest (Hebrews 7:25).

● The fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

      For believers, this is a reminder that Jesus has already won the battle. No matter what they face, they can have confidence in His ultimate victory.

Application in Our Lives

1. Keep your focus on Jesus – Avoid distractions and trust Him fully.

2. Trust in His plan – Even when life is difficult, remember that Jesus is both the beginning and completion of your faith journey.

3. Persevere through trials – Like Jesus, endure suffering with the confidence that God has a greater purpose.

4. Overcome fear and shame – Just as Jesus disregarded the shame of the cross, believers should not be discouraged by hardships.

5. Live in victory – Jesus is already victorious, and through Him, believers share in that victory.

      "Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith" is a call to unwavering faith and perseverance. Jesus is the perfect example of faith, endurance, and victory. By keeping our focus on Him, trusting in His plan, and enduring trials with faith, we can walk confidently in our spiritual journey, knowing that He will bring us to the finish line.