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

Jesus did not endure the cross for the cross; he was not interested in suffering. There is no moral victory in undergoing pain. No Jesus was able and willing to endure the cross because of a greater goal, even overcoming the shame of the execution because he knew of the joy set before him.

He went ahead of us to establish a path and pattern. Seeing the joy before us, we can endure because Jesus was able to endure.

Ethan Kirl