April 9 – The Joy Set Before Him

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, KJV

The mission of Christ on Earth was to seek and to save that which was lost. Always before Him was the result of His sacrifice. Though He must first pass through the baptism of blood—though the weight of the world’s sin would press upon His innocent life, and the shadow of indescribable sorrow would forever rest upon Him—He endured the cross and despised the shame, because of the joy that was set before Him. He bore it all so that sinful humanity might be saved, lifted up, and granted a place with Him upon His throne.

Christ is the source of all divine truth. He knew the height and depth, the breadth and length of the Father’s love as no other could. He understood what sinners lose when they reject divine light, and the eternal suffering that awaits those who turn from heavenly truth. Only Christ fully grasps the weight of eternal glory that those who resist God are forfeiting.

Humanity, stained by sin, cannot fully comprehend the vile nature of the evil it cherishes. Because of sin, the Majesty of Heaven was wounded, stricken by God and afflicted. Our divine Substitute willingly exposed His soul to the sword of justice so that we would not perish but might receive eternal life. He declared, “I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself” (John 10:17–18, KJV). No man on earth nor angel in heaven could pay the price for sin. Jesus alone could redeem rebellious man.

The joy that was set before Christ was the vision of souls redeemed—saved through the sacrifice of His glory, His honor, His riches, and even His life. The salvation of humanity was His joy. When all the redeemed are gathered at last in the kingdom of God, He will behold the travail of His soul and be satisfied.