What Joy Awaited Jesus?

The four Gospels describe the terrible suffering and shame that surrounded Jesus' crucifixion. For instance, the soldiers bound Him and led Him away. Some spit at him, blindfolded Him, struck Him with fists. Even the Sanhedrin spit in His face and struck Him.

Soldiers stripped Him and mocked Him as king by placing on Him a crown of thorns and a scarlet robe and putting a staff in His hand. "Hail, king of the Jews!" they scoffed. They, too, spit on Him and struck Him on the head again and again. They all condemned Him as worthy of death.

The chief priests, teachers of the law, the elders and Herod joined in the mockery. More insults came from the robbers crucified with Him.

Yet Hebrews 12:2 tells us that for the joy set before him Jesus endured the cross, scorning its shame. To scorn the shame meant "to disdain, think little or nothing of it." Because of the joy, the shame meant nothing to Him. So what was the joy that caused Him to disregard the shame?

The whole life and death of Jesus was to make possible a loving relationship between us and Him. Our love and communion with Him would give Him immeasurable joy! Our fellowship would be His priceless treasure. He would go through anything to gain our friendship.

Let's please Him today by giving Him the sweet fellowship and time of loving communion He died to receive.

Dear Jesus, Thank You for loving me with all Your heart, always. May my love for You give You great joy.

"The LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession" (Deuteronomy 14:2).