Christ looks beyond the cross

It is easy to say that Christ endured the cross and despised the shame of his awful death, but what does that mean? It means - at least - physical sufferings, false accusations, blasphemous mockery, national and social rejection, emotional isolation, and substitutionary sin-bearing?

But how did he do this? What carried him to and through the cross? It was the joy that was set before him. Christ's great concern was the glory of God and the salvation of the church, and the prospect of both entirely secured bore him through what could not - must not - be avoided.

The joy of his Father's will obeyed and accomplished, and his own exaltation to his throne, find their resolution in the secured salvation of his beloved people.