Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2
As we continue our theme of spiritual sight we are encouraged to fix our eyes on Jesus.Andrew has been speaking on the brazen serpent from Numbers 21 and how when the Israelites ‘looked’ at the serpent they were healed.This serpent on a pole is a picture of Jesus on the cross, He who knew no sin became sin for us so that we could become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21).
When Jesus went to the cross He was being lifted up the same way as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness. When we look to Jesus we receive eternal life (John 3:14,15), but eternal life is not just about quantity - living forever - it’s also about quality - the life, nature and benefits of God flowing from the unseen eternal realm of God’s presence and provision.
Notice that Jesus endured the cross because of the joy that was set before him.How could Jesus look at the cross and consider it a joyful experience - it wasn’t - but Jesus looked past the physical cross into the unseen and He saw you and me - the joy of one sinner repenting (Luke 15:7).
Look and live.