Lenten Daily Devotional 2021
Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Day 42: For the Joy Set Before Him
“Where do you come from?” he asked Jesus, but Jesus gave him no answer. John 19:9b (NIV)
I remember being in late elementary/early junior high when I realized what my father did for a living. Sure, I knew he was a pastor and preached the sermon on Sundays, but that was the extent of what I thought his job encompassed. It wasn’t until later that I realized that there were constant meetings (often in the evening hours), prayers with folks in the hospital, basic maintenance to the building, sermon preparation, church work days, visitation, and more. And all of this for a pastor’s salary. My father did not seem to mind the work (or pay). In fact, on most days, he seemed to enjoy his work.
As I grew older, I came to realize that he did this work for this pay not because he enjoyed all of the tasks, but rather for the ultimate outcome of the work: to go to heaven and take as many people with him as possible. He wanted to tell them about a Savior that endured the cross on our behalf.
The 19th chapter of John always bugs me. Jesus stands accused by the crowds and questioned by Pilate. In response, Jesus remains mostly silent. I always wrestled with why Jesus remains silent. I tend to get defensive when I’m accused, but not Jesus. I am then reminded of Hebrews 12:2b
“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.”
I cannot begin to imagine the pain Jesus endured through the floggings and the cross. But thanks to the Scriptures, I can know why. He endured the cross for you and I.
As I grew older, I came to realize that he did this work for this pay not because he enjoyed all of the tasks, but rather for the ultimate outcome of the work: to go to heaven and take as many people with him as possible. He wanted to tell them about a Savior that endured the cross on our behalf.
The 19th chapter of John always bugs me. Jesus stands accused by the crowds and questioned by Pilate. In response, Jesus remains mostly silent. I always wrestled with why Jesus remains silent. I tend to get defensive when I’m accused, but not Jesus. I am then reminded of Hebrews 12:2b
“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.”
I cannot begin to imagine the pain Jesus endured through the floggings and the cross. But thanks to the Scriptures, I can know why. He endured the cross for you and I.
Prayer Focus: Pray for the Centenary Christian Preschool. Pray for the staff, the families and children that attend.
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