Heb 12:2 “...looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross”

Joy? Really? Jesus endured the cross for the joy that was set before him? What possible joy could there be in humiliation, degradation, blasphemy, torture, abandonment and pain? To begin, we know that Jesus wasn’t doing it for himself so we can eliminate that. Jesus lived to do the will of his Father. Since he always sought to please him, it stands to reason that if this was his Father’s will, than doing so would bring him joy (even if there was pain in the act of performing it). But who else was all this about? You and me. In his last prayer before his agony, Jesus told his Heavenly Father that he wanted us, those he loved so dearly, to be with him where he was going (home to the Father – John 17:24). This would not be possible without the penalty for our sins being paid. His joy was to have us with him for all eternity. It has been said that “When you really love, giving is not sacrifice – it’s joy.” Jesus really loved and so he gave it all. To him it was joy. For us…it was salvation.

Prayer: “Father, in a world that is focused on self, your son still stands out as the perfect example of sacrificial giving. Let my response each time I see the cross and remember, add to the joy of his sacrifice. Let my daily walk reflect an understanding of his love. Fill me with that love, O’ Lord, and teach me to live sacrificially. In Jesus’ precious name I pray, Amen.”