Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith

Hebrews 12

¹ Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and _w sin which clings so closely, and _x let us run _y with endurance the race that is _z set before us, ² looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, _a who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising _b the shame, and _c is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.

1. Cross References
   Ephesians 4:22
   To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.
   
2. Cross References
   1 Corinthians 9:24
   Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.
   
3. Cross References
   Hebrews 10:36
   For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised.
   
4. Cross References
   Hebrews 6:18
   So that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.
   
5. Cross References
   Luke 24:26
   Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?
   Philippians 2:8
   And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
   Isaiah 53:11
   Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities.
   
6. Cross References
   Psalms 22:6 - 7
   But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.
   Psalms 69:19
   You know my reproach, and my shame and my dishonor; my foes are all known to you.
   Isaiah 53:3
   He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
   
7. Cross References
   Hebrews 1:3
   He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.