As we look unto Jesus understand that at one point He was looking unto you...

"looking unto Jesus the Author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."  Hebrew 12:2

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith.  He is the writer of our lives as we walk out our lives with Him.  Notice here in scripture Jesus endured the cross, but why?  '... for the joy set before Him.'  Well, what was that joy?  What was it that got him though the suffering?  What compelled him to remain on a cross fastened by nails?  What drove Him to endure the sneers and the jeers of the soldiers who laughed at Him and gambled for His clothes?  What was it that made the God of the universe endure such humility?

The answer is YOU! 

YOU were the joy set before Him!

study: Hebrews 12:1-2

apply: remember when times get tough or weary, He thought of you on the cross, you were and are His Joy