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 with such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. (4) You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
The author of the letter to the Hebrews is unknown but the audience is Christian Jews who were being warned not to relapse in their Christian faith in fear of impending persecution. They/we are told to emulate the great cloud of witnesses who lived and died in faith.
The author uses the metaphor of a race – a marathon, not a sprint – requiring a goal, endurance and motivation. To run a Christian marathon we must get in shape and stay in shape. To run and live successfully we must lay aside every encumbrance; to lay aside our besetting sins – I prefer our darling sins – and remember that sin always begins in the mind. As in a race we should travel lightly; various burdens impede us like love of this world, pleasures, lusts, riches and honors – keep them as blessings, not impediments. Gold is as heavy as lead.
God has set our course and running with endurance means all in. Christ Jesus was free to exempt Himself from all trouble and suffering but refused because of the purpose of the glorious end of His death. The Christian Jews have not yet been subjected to blood persecution but the fear was very real so they are urged to keep their eyes on Christ. From start to finish He submitted, trusted and relied on God. Jesus is the author of faith and our example. He finished the course perfectly and when Jesus begins faith in us He will bring it to a conclusion. Fixing our eyes on Jesus takes them off ourselves. We are to cast off our encumbrances and untangle our sins and run with endurance.