Joy and dread

It's Wednesday of passion week.  In two days, as we remember it, Jesus went to the cross, all the while knowing what was ahead of him.  The bible said he went gladly "for the joy ahead" but I see in the garden a dread as well, a dread of what he would suffer.

I don't know about you, but knowing what awaited me (if I were Jesus) would have had me looking for a way out and yet he went gladly, with joy and dread.  There was such a love for mankind, for you and me, in his actions that he faced the dread with joy.

I wonder, as he stood before Pilate, silent while being accused, I wonder what he thought.  Did he look ahead to the joy of the victory?  Did he rejoice in God his Father?  What were his thoughts?  Was he thinking of you and me?  I can't imagine, in the silence of his voice, the thoughts of his mind as the events of Thursday and Friday rolled over him.

He was falsely accused and yet fully obedient to the Father's plan.  Nowhere in his life do I ever see fear.  It appears, as he trusted God and obeyed him, he walked boldly into the events of the cross and his death....with dread and joy.  I will never know....I can't imagine the emotions of those days, but I can celebrate the results in my life.  


Thank you, Jesus, for accomplishing my salvation through the cross.  I am so thankful that the dread of the cross did not change your path.  I'm so glad that with joy you looked ahead to the salvation you would accomplish.  Thank you.  I look forward to the day when I can bow in your presence and praise you for your great love.