"Looking Unto Jesus"

One of the most compelling phrases in the book of Hebrews is found in Hebrews 12:2 KJV: “Looking unto Jesus.” The New American Standard Bible renders this phrase, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus“ (Hebrews 12:2 NASB).

As a runner must focus his eyes straight ahead, not looking at the crowds or behind at his competition (cf. Luke 9:62), in order to successfully win the race, so we too must focus our eyes on Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith” (note the illustration of Peter walking on water in Matthew 14:22-31).

The same idea is found in Proverbs 4:25-27, where we are exhorted to:

“Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established. Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.”

Jesus is the perfect example to focus our eyes on, for He is the "author and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2 ASV) — the One by which faith had its full expression and ultimate consummation (Hebrews 5:1-9; cf. Philippians 2:4-8; Hebrews 2:14-18; Hebrews 4:14-16).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets