Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“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 God.”
Hebrews 12:2
The “joy that was set before” Jesus was not his salvation but ours. Jesus told Peter, when Judas had led the mob into the garden of Gethsemene to arrest him, that he could cry out to his Father and “more than twelve legions of angels” would come to rescue him.
So, Jesus endured the cross not to save himself; he could have returned home at any time. Rather, he endured the cross for the joy of having us where he is. In his mind, he pictured us being with him in the presence of the Father, and that hope was so precious to him that it made Jesus willing to endure the cross and “despise the shame”.