Christ’s Joy and Crown –
Hebrews 12:1-3
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy that was set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
We are to run a race, enduring the suffering, looking to the reward., but Jesus also ran a race, enduring far greater suffering, for the joy that was set before him. What was the joy set before Him?
Paul’s life illustrates it
Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends!
Philippians 4:1
Paul longs to see the Christians at Philippi, calling them “my joy and my crown.” Christ himself is saying this too. You are my family, I long to be with you. So, stand firm: I’m coming for you!
For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
! Thessalonians 2:19
And says the same to the people at Thessalonica – “my joy and crown”.
God speaks the same way in the Old Testament
The Lord your God is with you,
Zephaniah 3:17
the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;
in his love he will no longer rebuke you,
but will rejoice over you with singing.’
Jesus’ own words
Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering round to hear Jesus. 2 But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, ‘This man welcomes sinners, and eats with them.’
3 Then Jesus told them this parable: 4 ‘Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? 5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders 6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbours together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.” 7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who do not need to repent.
And the Father of the wayward son …
‘But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms round him and kissed him.
Luke 15:20
Jesus joy and crown are those who trust in His life, death for us, and resurrection.
New International Version – UK (NIVUK)
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