FAITHFULWORD.ORG | TEACHINGS

Hebrews 12:2; John 16:16-33; Matthew 20:17-19; John 10:15-18; Acts 2:32-39; Hebrews 12:2,3

In light of the new movie, The Passion of the Christ, we will consider the scriptures to get a full perspective on this topic. While the crucifixion is important, it was only the first step in a series of events which culminated with the outpouring of the gift of holy spirit on the Day of Pentecost and will conclude with Christ’s return to gather his own with a new heaven and earth.

Jesus knew from the scriptures what he would be facing. He knew he would be so marred that people would not want to look at him and his back would resemble the ploughed furrows of a field. He also knew that he would be raised the third day, would ascend, be seated at the right hand of the Father and be given a name above every name. He knew that salvation would not just be to the nation of Israel but the whole world, with one body and him as its head.

Hebrews teaches God’s complete plan was placed before Jesus Christ in full and that for the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross. “Set before” means that something is set in full view in every detail to be considered. God showed Jesus what would happen because of his sacrifice. There was no joy in the scourging, beatings, false accusation, pain, suffering and horrible death. Jesus knew the result of what he did would be that God would have a family of children, all having spirit, and who would live together eternally with the Father and His Son.

In John, Jesus gave final instructions to his disciples, telling them what would happen. He gave the illustration of a woman going through childbirth. It is no fun, but afterward, there is joy. Jesus Christ was not a mystical individual who one day did miracles and the next was a mere pawn in God’s chess game. He knew what was required of him every day. He knew the Word and God’s plan. This was the joy that was set before him, He understood the purpose for the horrible things he would suffer. Let the joy be set before us also. We should be grateful and filled with joy for what Jesus did for us and why he did it.