Jesus Saw the Future Joy

“Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:2

Jesus knew everything when He walked the Earth. He knew that His walk of righteousness, holiness, and perfection would be hated by the religious leaders of the day.

I’m amazed how hard-hearted humans can be.
I’m amazed that we get jealous, bitter, and resentful of people who may be doing better than ourselves.
I’m amazed that God Himself, walking with a perfect testimony and speaking only truth, was arrested, beaten, and executed.

Maybe it’s hard to believe because those dusty, ancient Bible times seem less hostile than today.
But if Jesus Christ were to come preaching in TODAY’S society,
He’d be run out of town and worse.
He would be run out of many churches for being “too extreme”.

So why did He place Himself in harms way and endure the cross for you and I?
Because He could see through the pain to the joy ahead:

The joy of our salvation.
The joy of our redemption.
The joy of our reconciliation with Him.
The joy of our eternity in heaven.
The joy of conquering death.
The joy of conquering Satan.
The joy of breaking sin’s curse.
The joy of finishing His purpose.
The joy of pleasing His Father.

Jesus suffered in this life knowing that His temporary pain would bring you joy forevermore.
There’s SOME joy in this life,
but MUCH, MUCH MORE in the next.

All because of the cross that Christ Jesus endured for us!