Hebrews 12:1-3

[1] Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, [2] 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

THE JOURNEY:

1. The shout.

Matthew 21:8-11 And a very great multitude spread their clothes on the road; others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. [9] Then the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried out, saying: “Hosanna to the Son of David! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD!’ Hosanna in the highest!” [10] And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” [11] So the multitudes said, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.”

Psalm 47:1-2 Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph! [2] For the LORD Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.

Praising the Lord keeps our attention on His victory rather than on our weakness.

Psalm 92:4 For You, LORD, have made me glad through Your work; I will triumph in the works of Your hands.

THE JOURNEY:

2. The meal.

Matthew 26:26-28 And as they were eating, Jesus took BREAD, blessed and broke it, and gave it to the disciples and said, “Take, eat; this is My body.” [27] Then He took the CUP, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. [28] For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

1 Corinthians 11:23-26 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you: that the Lord Jesus on the same night in which He was betrayed took bread; [24] and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take, eat; this is My body which is broken for you; DO THIS IN REMEMBRANCE OF ME.” [25] In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.” [26] For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes.

THE JOURNEY:

3. The stumble.

Matthew 26:31-32 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will be made to STUMBLE because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the Shepherd, And the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ [32] But after I have been raised, I will go before you to Galilee.”

Matthew 24:10-12 (Jesus) And then many will be OFFENDED, will betray one another, and will hate one another. [11] Then many false prophets will rise up and deceive many. [12] And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.

Hebrews 12:1a Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us…

Psalm 56:13 For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

Isaiah 40:30-31 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; [31] but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

THE JOURNEY:

4. The prayer.

Matthew 26:36-39 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” [37] And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. [38] Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” [39] He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.”

The prayer of following God’s plan will always work.

THE JOURNEY:

5. The turn.

Matthew 27:20-23 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. [21] The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” [22] Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” [23] Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

Hebrews 12:3 For CONSIDER HIM who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become WEARY and DISCOURAGED in your souls.

1 Corinthians 16:13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.

1 Timothy 6:12 Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.

Conclusion:

Hebrews 12:2 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

Romans 8:34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.