12:2 looking to Jesus. The cloud of Old Testament witnesses inspires us, but our principal encouragement is found in the person and work of Christ, who has gone before us as the “founder and perfecter of our faith,” and is the supreme example of faith in the race (v. 3).

founder. See note 2:10.

perfecter of our faith. As “perfecter” Jesus has brought the faith of all who approach God through Him to its intended goal: thankful worship acceptable to God, presented in His presence (10:14; 11:40; 12:28).

for the joy that was set before him. Jesus endured the cross in anticipation of the joy of being Savior of His people when the necessary suffering was over. As Moses looked to his reward (11:26), so Jesus was aware of His own reward.

A less probable, though possible, interpretation is to translate “in place of the joy set before Him.” On this reading, Jesus chose suffering instead of the joy that would have been His if He had refused to die, and instead remained in heaven (Phil. 2:6), or at least avoided the Cross on earth (John 10:17, 18; 12:27).

despising the shame. Crucifixion was so shameful a form of execution that it was forbidden to be inflicted on Roman citizens; in addition, the Jews believed that “everyone who is hanged on a tree” is cursed by God (Gal. 3:13; cf. Deut. 21:23).