Hebrews 12:1-4: Jesus the Pioneer and Perfecter of Our Faith, Part 1

Our discussion focuses on:
Chapter 12 as a continuation of the "faith hall of fame" in Chapter 11, as we move from the heroes of the faith to Jesus as the supreme exemplar of the faith.
The author's focus on the cloud of witnesses, who are active participants in our journey.
The meaning of "burden" and "sin" in the context of the author's argument ("let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely" in 12:1).
The meaning of Jesus' joy as he looked beyond the cross to its effect. This inspired the martyrs to similarly look beyond their immediate circumstance to the result of their actions.
The meaning of Jesus as the author (or pioneeer or leader) and perfecter of our faith.
What the author meant by saying Jesus despised the shame of the cross.