"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."
Hebrews 12:2
I have read this passage many times, but today this verse stood out to me. Today I realized that despite the fact that dying on a cross was a shameful death, Jesus focused on the end result.
Jesus was not troubled by what His opponents thought of Him. Religious leaders tried to damage His reputation. He was laughed at and ridiculed. A crown of thorns was forced onto His head. A purple robe was put on Him to ridicule Him despite the fact that He was a king.
In spite of all this, did Jesus try to defend His reputation? No. The Scripture tells us that He "scorned its shame". It was far more important that He glorified his Father, and remain focused on doing his Father's will than trying to save face or even to simply execute His own desire of not having to go through with the crucifixion.
This gives me hope and strength that if Jesus would endure the cross with all its pain and shame knowing that afterwards He would be seated beside his Father in Heaven, then I too should focus more on my Heavenly Father and less on my sinful desires and temptations.
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