Satisfaction for the Obedient Son

Sometimes the question might pass through our minds, does the Lord Jesus feel put upon by the work of redemption given Him by God the Father?

This is a question that arises from the observation of Malachi 3:17, in which the Lord promises to spare His people as a father spares his obedient son. But God the Father spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, that we might be spared.

The Lord Jesus was entitled to be spared, because He is perfect in all His ways - yet He was not spared!

In our own hearts, we know that we would resent it were we treated in that fashion. Raising the question about the Lord Jesus' feelings in the matter merely exposes the selfishness and fallenness of our own hearts.

We fail to grasp the delight that the Persons of the Trinity have in the salvation of sinners who call upon God for mercy. Micah 7 teaches us that God delights in mercy.

Further, the Psalmist records that the Lord Jesus delights to do the will of God. The writer of Hebrews makes clear that delight was specifically the offering up of Himself as a sacrifice for sin to save His people.

Jesus informed us in three parables in Luke 15 of the joy in heaven at the salvation of sinners. Unlike the elder brother of the prodigal son, our Elder Brother rejoices with the Father in our redemption!

Our Savior was sustained at Calvary by considering the Joy that was set before Him. In His great prayer for us, He records His joy in us, and longs for our presence with Him one day in Glory.

The Lord's Table reminds us of Christ's promise of reunion one day in the Kingdom. There He will drink the celebratory new wine with us at the Lamb's Marriage Feast!