Jesus Endured for Joy
Day 3, Week 3 - Consider
Hebrews 12:1-3 (ESV)
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.
Philippians 2:5-11 (ESV)
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Romans 8:18 (ESV)
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Have you ever stopped to think about what held Jesus to the cross? It wasn’t the nails. It wasn’t the jeering crowd or the authority of the Roman guards. It was something far deeper. Joy. Hebrews 12:2 tells us, “For the joy that was set before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame.” Jesus wasn’t focused on the immediate agony of the cross. He saw beyond it to the joy of what His suffering would accomplish.
That joy wasn’t abstract. It wasn’t some vague, disconnected feeling. It was deeply personal. The joy that held Jesus to the cross was the knowledge that His sacrifice would reconcile you to God. It was the certainty that His death would bring eternal life to those who trust in Him. It was the unshakable hope of defeating sin and death forever. You were His joy. You were worth every step to Calvary, every lash of the whip, every nail driven into His hands and feet.
Philippians 2:8 reminds us, “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Jesus willingly endured the ultimate humiliation and pain because He knew the outcome. He knew that through His suffering, the glory of God would be revealed and countless lives would be redeemed. Romans 8:18 reminds us of this same perspective: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”
If Jesus endured for joy, what does that mean for you? It means your suffering is not the end of your story. It means the trials you face now are not meaningless. Jesus has already shown us that there is joy on the other side of pain. When you fix your eyes on Him, you’re reminded that there is a purpose in the race you’re running. You’re reminded that the finish line is worth it.
But let’s be honest—when you’re in the middle of hardship, joy feels impossible. That’s why we’re called to “consider Him.” Reflecting on Jesus’ endurance shifts our focus from the pain we’re experiencing to the hope we have in Him. It doesn’t mean the suffering disappears, but it does mean we can face it differently. Jesus has shown us that joy isn’t from the absence of hardship. It’s from the presence of hope.
Today, take time to meditate on the joy that held Jesus to the cross. Let it remind you that your pain is not wasted, your struggles are not pointless, and your trials are shaping you for eternity. The same joy that sustained Jesus is available to you now, giving you the strength to endure.
Reflect: What trials in your life feel overwhelming right now? How does remembering Jesus’ joy give you hope and perspective in the middle of your struggles?
Pray: Jesus, thank You for enduring the cross for the joy set before You. Help me to see beyond my pain and to trust that You are using it for Your glory and my good. Give me the strength to endure, just as You did.
Act: Write down one area of your life where you’re struggling to find joy. Pray specifically for God to help you see it through His perspective. Take a step today to focus on the eternal joy that Jesus offers.
