Fix Your Eyes on Jesus

Rev. Dr. Ryan Tietz, Associate Professor of Exegetical Theology and Dean of Students at Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Hebrews 12:1-2.

The author of Hebrews now draws an important conclusion from his hall of faith chapter and from the entirety of his sermon so far. The saints who have gone before us surround us as a cloud, reminding us that we have been brought into God’s presence along with them by faith in Jesus. For that reason, he exhorts us to throw off anything that would hinder our struggle against sin so that we can run the race that God has set for us. All the while, our eyes must be fixed on Jesus. He is not simply our example for this struggle, but he is our strength. He is the One who has endured suffering for the sake of the joy that was set before Him, and now He is seated at God’s right hand, giving us the promise that where He is, there we are as well.

“The New Covenant in Christ” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Hebrews. The book of Hebrews is best understood as a sermon preached to those who have gathered for the Divine Service, exhorting them to continued faithfulness to Jesus. As the Son of God and our Brother, Jesus is both our exalted King and faithful High Priest who is truly present with us so that we might fix our eyes on Him.