How could the cross be a joyful thing for the Lord Jesus? Naturally, it was an emblem of great suffering, shame and rejection, so how does one view this as a joy? It's an amazing concept to ponder!
"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 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" (Heb 12:1-2).
What should have been ridiculously shameful, was treated as humble surrender to the will of His Father. It was not merely the prospect of physical death that so repelled the Lord.. Rather, it was the association of the cross with sin. His holy soul recoiled at the idea of being involved with the shame of man’s rebellion against God. Yet he did it anyway!
What was normally a horrific end of life to a man, became a glorious method of payment for the Son of Man! And what was he purchasing? He bought a bride for Himself (Eph 5:25-32)! Wow, no wonder He could endure the cross with joy! Not only did His own life resurrect into such glorious triumph, but He also grabbed a hold of you and I, bringing us up with Him!
Reader, you can be assured that this was a SURE payment! His blood was not declined, nor will it ever be! How do we know? Because He counted the cost to ensure He could bring it to fruition; it wasn't a hasty decision (Prov 25:8). He would never have been able to endure the cross unless he positively knew the joyous result of it - the salvation of mankind!
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me" (Jn 12:32).
Can we fathom the depth of love that our Messiah had and has for lost humanity? The horrors of Golgotha paled into utter insignificance when the Savior contemplated the refreshing salvation that would be available for all, upon His great purchase (Heb 5:9). This is absolutely astounding! How utterly selfish our own level of dedication appears by comparison.
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