The joy set before Him

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

What was motivating Jesus to endure such brutality?

What was the joy that was set before Jesus?

He knew what was coming. Jesus knew exactly what would be required and what He would go through. He knew the price that had to be paid. It’s difficult to imagine that joy was part of the picture. But Jesus endured the pain of the cross for the joy that He was looking forward to.

When I “go through” some difficulty it is easy for me move towards self-pity and the negative connotations that now go with the word “martyr”. It’s easy to imagine someone tolerating hardship begrudgingly – a little bitter, ready to moan for sympathy.

But this is light years away from Jesus’ emotions and motivation. In the depths of humiliation, torture and even separation, Jesus held on to joy. He could see the reason and not only considered it worth the pain but continued to look forward to what was beyond the cross.

Jesus’ joy was in looking forward to our new birth. He knew that He must die so that we can receive the second, spiritual birth into His Kingdom. The punishment He took for us on the cross and the victory He took over sin and death meant that He could have a proper and everlasting relationship with us.

Jesus’ heart was involved. He looked forward to making us and knowing us and blessing us and spending time with us. This is the joy that was set before Him - the joy of having the opportunity to form an intimate bond with us. He took the initiative through the cross to pursue us!

While I can’t imagine the pain, right now I feel that I can relate to the joy. I have a wonderful joy set before me. My third child is due to be born in the next week. And what a joy it is to think about him. I really can’t wait to meet him. He is part of me. I know him already. I know something of his nature because he shares it with me. I know his name. And I can’t wait to see him and hold him – to know him better and to spend time with him.

Jesus’ joy was in looking forward to our new birth.

Lord, thank You for saving me. And thank You for saving me with joy in Your heart. I’m in awe when I think of what You did on the cross. And to think that you want my joy would be complete. Lord, You are amazing.