Why Jesus Allowed Himself to Be Crucified

Hebrews 12:2- fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

I have often thought about the joy set before Jesus that motivated him to endure the shame and pain of the cross. In the immediate context of the verse we see sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Being seated again in all of his glory in heaven would definitely be a joyful reunion in heaven.

Is that all? Could there be more to the joy set before Jesus?

Jesus had emptied himself of his glory and left his throne in heaven to become a human baby for the purpose of growing to be a man to die for our sins on the cross. He returned to his rightful glorious place when he ascended after his resurrection. But there is one aspect to be included.

In John 17:24 Jesus was praying:

“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.”

The aspect included in the joy set before Jesus was knowing his most beloved part of his creation, us human beings, would be able to be restored into relationship with God, forgiven, and in heaven with Jesus where Jesus can share his glorious presence with us for all of eternity.

We are the why for the cross of Jesus. Out of his great love for us, he allowed himself to be arrested, put on trial, tortured and crucified. He endured all of that because he wanted human beings to be reconciled to God. For Jesus looking into the future and realizing millions of people being with him in heaven was a joyful realization.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.