“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJV
We were the joy set before Jesus on the cross. What an act of extreme vulnerability. He knew he was taking a great risk giving his life. The risk being we could still walk away from him. We could disappoint him, hurt him, let him down, and cause deep pain to others and his heart. Yet still he choose to experience the greatest of joy in that tragic moment. He allowed himself to feel the deepest of loves for us, which would reconnect humanity to his Father, and break the curse of unworthiness and never enough.
This great act of selflessness and vulnerability was based on the uncertainty of mankind’s response. Him knowing mankind could turn its head and deny this great act of love and sacrifice. Knowing we may not be able to go to this level of vulnerability within our own hearts; to truly understand the kind of love that would give a life for another. It hurts, it stings, it crushes the human heart, it’s incomprehensible to even begin to try to understand this love and joy. Yet, we were the joy set before him. We were the ones he saw in eternity. We were the ones whose heart he was after. He saw us as worth it all–the joy of the cross.
Bethany Conway 
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