The Joy Set Before Him: Victory Through the Resurrection

Key Texts: Hebrews 12:2; John 13:1–17; Romans 5:6–8; 1 Corinthians 15; John 14:28; John 17:15, 24 (NASB 1995)

Introduction

• Today is often called “Resurrection Sunday,” but Scripture teaches us to remember the resurrection every first day of the week.
• The resurrection is not a once-a-year theme; it is the foundation of Christian hope.
• Hebrews 12:2 points us to the joy set before Jesus—the glory that followed the cross.
• John’s Gospel prepares us to see not only the suffering of Christ, but the victory and glory that came through it.

I. The Cross Was Endured for a Greater Joy (Hebrews 12:2)

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

• A. Jesus did not endure the cross by accident or weakness.
  • He endured it with purpose.
  • He endured it with His eyes fixed on what was ahead.
• B. The “joy set before Him” was not the pain.
  • It was the glory of returning to the Father.
  • It was the victory over sin and death.
• C. The resurrection proves the cross was not defeat.
  • The empty tomb declares victory.
  • The throne in heaven confirms His triumph.

Callout — Application:
Christians endure hardship by fixing their eyes on what lies ahead, not only on what hurts now.

II. John Shows Us the Glory Beyond the Suffering (John 13:1–3; John 14:28)

• A. John does not dwell on every detail of the physical abuse.
  • Matthew, Mark, and Luke record the suffering in detail.
  • John emphasizes purpose, control, and destination.
• B. John 13:1 — Jesus knew His hour had come.
  • He knew He was departing this world to the Father.
  • He loved His own to the end.
• C. John 13:3 — Jesus knew where He came from and where He was going.
  • From God.
  • Going back to God.
• D. John 14:28 — Jesus speaks of going to the Father as something to be rejoiced in.

Callout — Encouragement:
The cross was not chaos. It was the planned path back to glory.

III. Love and Humility Marked His Final Hours (John 13:4–5)

Jesus rose from supper, laid aside His garments, took a towel, and began to wash the disciples’ feet.

• A. The Lord took the place of a servant.
  • The One worthy of all honor chose the lowest task.
• B. He washed all their feet—including Judas’.
  • Love did not stop in the presence of betrayal.
• C. Everything Jesus did was governed by love.
  • Love for the Father.
  • Love for His disciples.
  • Love for us.

Callout — Rebuke:
We often look for ways to be served instead of ways to serve.

Callout — Application:
If the Son of God could humble Himself, so must we.

IV. The Cross Was Not Out of Control—Jesus Was (John 13:3–4; John 14:28)

• A. The Jews thought they chose the time.
• B. Pilate thought he held the power.
• C. Judas thought he forced the moment.
• D. John makes it clear: this was Jesus’ hour.
  • He was not a victim of circumstances.
  • He was moving forward by divine purpose.
• E. The cross was not the end—it was the road back to heaven.

Callout — Warning:
Never think Christ was overpowered. He laid His life down willingly.

V. The Resurrection Is the Center of Our Hope (1 Corinthians 15)

• A. Some in Corinth denied the resurrection.
  • Paul shows how destructive that error is.
• B. If there is no resurrection:
  • Christ is not raised.
  • Our faith is empty.
  • Our hope is gone.
• C. But Christ has been raised.
  • He conquered death.
  • He broke the power of the grave.
  • He destroyed the fear that Satan used to hold over humanity.
• D. Because His tomb is empty, ours will be also.

Callout — Encouragement:
The resurrection of Jesus is God’s guarantee of our resurrection.

VI. The Risen Lord Returned to Glory (Hebrews 12:2; John 17:24)

• A. After His resurrection, Jesus appeared to many.
  • He walked with disciples.
  • He ate with them.
  • He taught them.
  • He was seen by many witnesses.
• B. Then He ascended and took His rightful place.
  • Seated at the right hand of God.
  • Returned to His pre-incarnate glory.
• C. John 17:24 — Jesus desired His followers to see His glory.
  • The same glory He had before the foundation of the world.

Conclusion / Call to Action

• Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him.
• That joy was victory, glory, and our salvation.
• The resurrection proves:
  • Death is defeated.
  • Satan’s power is broken.
  • Hope is secure.
• The gospel calls us to respond:
  • Believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
  • Confess Him as Lord.
  • Be baptized into Him for the forgiveness of sins.
  • Live faithfully in hope of His return.
• Today is the day of salvation.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus…” (Hebrews 12:2, NASB 1995)

Final Call:
Because He lives, we have hope—now and forever.

[Scripture](Hebrews 12:2)