Charles Spurgeon Commentary Hebrews 12:2

"looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of [our] faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." — Hebrews 12:2 (ASV)

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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God (Hebrews 12:2).

His race is complete; his wrestling is over; so he sits down with the great Judge of all as the One who has won his crown forever.

Let us look to him.

Who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

It was this joy that made Christ strong to endure in the day of His sorrow, and joy must also make you strong to endure to the end.

He had the joy of anticipated victory. It was set before Him, and so He endured the cross, despising the shame. He ran with a heavy cross on His back, and yet He ran faster than you or I have run: He ran because He had more joy than we have. So, my brethren, let us live in the joy of heaven, let us live in the joy of ultimate victory, and this will enable us to bear all the toils and trials of our present life.