The Cross Shows Me The Joy Of Jesus

The Cross Shows Me The Joy Of Jesus

He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterward. –Hebrews 12:2

What joy could Jesus see that enabled him to endure the pain and agony of the Cross? What joy did he know would be his? As Jesus looked ahead, he could see the joy of redemption. By paying the debt for sin, Jesus satisfied justice. It brought him joy to complete the work he was sent to do, which was to pay the price for your sin and my sin. And as he endured the Cross, your face was on his mind, and he was full of joy that the price was now paid so you could spend eternity with him.

Jesus also anticipated the joy of resurrection. He had told his followers numerous times that he would die and that he would also rise again. But they could not imagine the death, nor could they fathom resurrection. His was a shameful death—but not because of his own shame. He had never done anything to be ashamed of. He took the shame of everyone who has ever regretted things they have said or done. Imagine the shame. Yet Jesus could have true joy because he knew he would break the power of shame and death forever and offer abundant life in the place of immobilizing shame.

Occasionally we see on television the return of soldiers who have been away from their families for months or years at a time. And as we watch them run toward those they love, we can feel the sense of joy and release of their reunion, can’t we? Now imagine Jesus, who lived in perfect fellowship with the Father from before the foundation of the world. Then he was sent to earth and took on human flesh, with work to do. And as Jesus headed toward the Cross, he began to anticipate the joy of reunion with the Father. Can you just imagine the joy? Jesus returned to heaven having endured the Cross and completed the work, and he is now back in the glory he knew before with the One he loves so dearly.

But Jesus is not content to keep this joy to himself. He longs to share his joy with you and me—as we are redeemed and as we anticipate resurrection—when we will be reunited with him forever. What joy!

Joyful Jesus, I am amazed at your willingness to bear my shame on the cross. Because of you, I can see the joy ahead in redemption, resurrection, and reunion. And I am humbled that you want to share this joy with me forever.

DIGGING DEEPER