“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...”
One of the most meaningful aspects of Christ’s incarnation is that he emptied himself (Philippians 2:7) and laid down a facet of his eternal glory (John 17:5) to become like you and me. Jesus was a human being tempted and wrestled with life situations like you and me. Why? Because God gave humankind dominion over creation, humanity was responsible for the infractions and injustices, so only a human could atone and reconcile.
No one could accomplish this impossible task, so miraculously, God became human to bear the burden of the penalty for the injustice against God’s righteousness and the effects of sin, which is death.
The touching part to me is that Jesus did this willingly. Knowing the horror of being tried, judged, and punished for all humanity, Jesus still said yes and stayed the course.
Jesus intimately knew the prophecies of the suffering Messiah. He knew David was prophesying his experience in the grave in many Psalms. He knew he would be forsaken by God and descend into the center of the earth (Matthew 12:39).
He knew he would be unjustly accused, judged, and punished by man. He knew he would be nailed to a cross. He knew God would change him into sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He knew God was going pour out all of his wrath toward sin, and he would experience all the effects and wages of sin. Finally, he knew he would pass into Hades / Sheol and had to use his faith to believe that God’s promises to him would still come to pass.
Knowing all that, he still endured the death of the cross for the joy it brought him to think of you receiving eternal life through what he was doing. The thought of you in his eternal kingdom, free from sin and death, brought Jesus such great joy that he stayed the course and died in your place.
Hebrews 12:2 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin.
Consider Jesus’ mindset in these passages.
Matthew 26:1 Now it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, that He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days are the Passover, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.”
Matthew 26:12 For in pouring this fragrant oil on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Assuredly, I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told as a memorial to her.”
Even though his disciples didn’t fully understand what was coming, Jesus did. We see his humanity the night he is arrested.
Matthew 26:36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death. Stay here and watch with Me.” 39 He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 Again, a second time, He went away and prayed, saying, “O My Father, [h]if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 So He left them, went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour [i]is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand.”
It amazes me that Jesus asked God to change his plan. I describe this aspect of Christ’s suffering in the video, and I pray you take the time to watch it. It will bless you. Grown men were crying when I preached this sermon because they were personally identifying with Christ’s work on their behalf. I pray it’s meaningful for you as well.
As a result of Christ’s complete work, we have unhindered access to God when we need help. Jesus knows how to help us because he’s been like us. He’s been through what you’re going through. He knows what it’s like to face the challenges of life that you’re facing. He wants to help you from a place of empathy, not judgment.
Hebrews 4:14 Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Even in the midst of your darkness, especially in the midst of your darkness, you can go to God for mercy, comfort, and strength. He loves you and will never leave you.
The video above is a Palm Sunday sermon, I pray it is a blessing to you.
Clint and Sara Byars
Forward Ministries
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