…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
-Hebrews 12:2, NIV (emphasis mine)
Today is Good Friday for the Western Church.
As I reflect on the Scriptures about Jesus’ death, I am struck by this phrase out of Hebrews 12:2–
“…for the joy…”
Joy kept Jesus on the cross. Not our sins.
This is what this verse teaches us. Jesus looked past the pain to see joy in what he was accomplishing by dying on the Cross.
Does that mean we are being soft on sin? Hardly.
Hebrews is the same book where the author tells us about how hell awaits those who continue in a life of sin (Hebrews 10:26-27). He takes sin very seriously.
However, at the cross, the author reminds us about greater purpose at work here. Death and sin go hand in hand. Death is not what motivated Jesus on the Cross. Life did.
We are his joy!
The fellowship of the Saints was what kept Jesus on that Cross. He delighted in knowing this difficult act would result in our lives together forever! Joy.
What a different way to see the Cross!
It was not a source of grief but of joy for our Savior. Why? Because he delighted in knowing this meant He would glorify the Father and get reunited with His favorite people–us!
