Jesus is so happy to see his offspring!
(a Particular Baptist reflection)
Hebrews 12:2 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.
The bright center of the death of Jesus Christ for our sins is that he knew exactly why it was happening, and he knew it would be completely effective. He knew it was not suffering in absurdity. He knew it was not random, or “just a part of life.” He did not have a vague hope that some good would come out of all his suffering. No, he knew that his suffering would accomplish God’s decreed intended purpose. See this beautiful truth taught in Isaiah 53: 10 - 11.
Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him;
he has put him to grief;
when his soul makes an offering for guilt,
he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days;
the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;
by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant,
make many to be accounted righteous,
and he shall bear their iniquities.
In verse ten it says that at the time that he makes his guilt offering he will see his offspring and prolong his days. This is saying that while he was dying he knew that he was being perfectly effective. He saw his offspring. It was worth it! He brought many sons to glory! He could see the big group of his offspring worshipping him forever in joy because of his work. When it says he will prolong his days it is surely only to be understood in the resurrection. Jesus Christ knew that his death would pay the ransom, that the payment would save “his offspring,” and that he himself would rise to enjoy the victory. The Resurrection is about VICTORY!!
The will of the LORD certainly prospers in his hand. Compare Hebrews 2:10 “For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.” The will of God is perfect. The suffering of the Son of God perfects the plan of God for Christ, the Church, and, all things. No wonder Jesus had joy before him as he died on the cross. The cross perfected Jesus Christ. It completed his purpose. He had to know this real experience. Isaiah 53: 11 “Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied;” Yes he had a knowledge of anguish, yes he was obedient to the cross, but he saw the results out of that anguish, and was satisfied.
Two weeks ago my son and daughter-in-law gave us a beautiful grand-daughter. There is no question that childbirth can be extremely painful, but the result is amazing. It is always so amazing to hold a precious newborn and to look into her eyes with wonder. She is precious. The pain, I am sure my daughter-in-law would say, was worth it!
In very much the same way the Bible teaches us that Jesus Christ was willing to go through all that trauma, because he was certain about the outcome. He was satisfied with the results even while he suffered.
I suggest three responses to this Biblical teaching.
1) Worship God for his marvelous works!
2) The joy of Jesus is the foundation for our peace. Enjoy the peace!
3) Understand that all of our afflictions are likewise planned and useful.
Let us commit ourselves to God, and trust him. As we suffer in serving him, let us be convinced that the outcome in God’s purpose will be perfect and worth our faithful obedience.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 ESV)