The Joy of Jesus on the cross

 What do the scriptures tell us about Jesus' experience on the cross?

-He set His mind on the eternal joy that He would have with the Father. 

The writer of the Book of Hebrews says, 

"Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God"(Hebrews 12: 2 ESV).

The Psalms also say, 

"Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices; my flesh also dwells secure. For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption. You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy" (Psalm 16:9-11a ESV).

-He remembered the glory He had at the beginning of time with the Father. 

Jesus, praying to the Father says, 

"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed" (John 17: 3-5 ESV). 

-He was satisfied with the outcome of His sacrifice, which was seeing his bride (the church), enjoy God's presence and glorify Him for all eternity. 

God speaks through the prophet Isaiah and says, 

"...he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied" (Isaiah 53:11a ESV).

Jesus showed sinners how much He loved them by laying His life down for them, but He was equally joyful to glorify the Father through His death on the cross. 

Jesus cleared the debt of God's chosen sinners so they could be vessels of God's glory for all eternity. 

Follower of Christ, let the joy of being with God forever fill your mind more than your doubts, shame, and fears. Let it motivate you to sow righteousness and self-control in all your situations. 

The question and topic in this article were greatly inspired by Chapter 3 of Paul D Washer's workbook Discovering The Glorious Gospel. 

https://heartcrymissionary.com/books/discovering-the-glorious-gospel/