Friday, April 7, 2023 (Good Friday)
No Other Way
Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)
It’s insulting to God to suggest that all religions lead to Him. If that were true, then why would He have allowed His Son to go through the suffering of the cross?
Jesus knew there was no other way for our sin to be dealt with. There was no other way for us to experience fellowship with God, from whom we were separated by sin. So, Jesus had to taste death for everyone. He had to go to the cross and die for the sins of the world.
Jesus, being omniscient, knew that His disciples would forsake Him, Peter would deny Him, and Judas would betray Him for thirty pieces of silver. And He knew He would go through unimaginable suffering and pain. So, what kept Him going through it all?
We find the answer in Hebrews 12: “Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne” (verse 2 NLT).
Jesus heard the mob cry out, “Crucify him!” (Matthew 27:22-23 NLT). He endured the mocking and taunting of the soldiers. He made His way through the winding streets of Jerusalem, knowing He was about to die. But He kept going. What kept Him going was the joy awaiting Him.
Jesus told a story about a lamb that went astray. The shepherd went searching for it, found it, put it on his shoulders, and returned with joy. Then Jesus said, “In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!” (Luke 15:7 NLT).
The joy awaiting Him was you. The joy awaiting Him was me. It was the knowledge that we would come into communion and fellowship with Him. He loved us so much that He went to the cross on our behalf.
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