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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
The only perfect man that ever lived was condemned to a
criminal’s death. The Lord Jesus Christ,
God in the flesh, was judged by man and found to be wanting. The Jewish High Priest prophesied “that it is expedient for us, that one man
should die for the people (Jn 11:50).”
So they took the Christ of glory and crucified Him on an old rugged
cross. Paul, in Galatians 3:13 said, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of
the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that
hangeth on a tree.” He was quoting the
Old Testament passage in Deuteronomy 21:23, “.
. . (for he that is hanged [on a tree] is accursed of God) . . .” These passages show that death by crucifixion
was perhaps the most humiliating death that a man could undergo. And our text verse tells us that Christ
despised the shame of the cross.
But it also tells us that He endured the cross. I have read after many writers and preachers
that make this verse say that Christ endured the cross for the joy of returning
to the glory that He had once known – that it was the setting down “at the
right hand of the throne of God” that caused Him joy – or that it was the
example that He was providing for the saints that caused Him joy. I prefer to think of it another way. “Who
for the joy that was set before him” to me represents the great love that
the Bridegroom had for His bride. The
entire book of Song of Solomon speaks of this love – the whole Bible teaches us
of that love – the love of a perfect God for His imperfect creation – a love
that drove Him from glory into this world – a love that caused Him to suffer
pain and humiliation – “And being found
in fashion as a man he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross (Phi 2:8).”
Yes, away off yonder, Christ saw His lovely bride taking her
place beside Him at the marriage supper of the Lamb. Ephesians 5:25 tells husbands to love their
wives, “even as Christ also loved the
church, and gave himself for it.” So
I don’t think I’m wresting scripture to say that what caused Christ to endure
the cross – what held Him suspended between heaven and earth – what kept Him
from summoning those 10,000 angels – what drove Him to finish His work on the
cross was the thought of His eternal union with His precious gentile bride. This was “the
joy that was set before him.”
Why hast Thou forsaken Me, O Father up above?
‘Tis anguish here on cruel cross – This place devoid of love.
What is there in a death so hard That makes it worth the pain?
What drives Me to endure the shame – What providential gain?
And as I lift My eyes I see A world that’s lost in sin.
They mock Me and they wag the tongue, These puny mortal men.
Can they not see I give My life To save the human race –
That I must die for all mankind – To hang here in disgrace.
But lo, I see in ages hence A bride so wondrous fair.
I see her robed in spotless white – I see her golden hair.
‘Tis for that joy before Me set That I must face the shame,
And by my blood that now is shed, I give My bride My Name.
© 2006 Paul Stultz
"Lord, Thank you for your sinless life - thank you for your great love - thank you for your vicarious death on the cross. Help us to love you more each day for the precious gift of salvation. Amen."
