Set Your Joy Before You

As Christians, we’re not as good or as thorough as Jesus when it comes to defining and articulating what sacrifice means. In the Church, most of the time, we talk about it in terms of giving something up. And that’s it. But, it’s not. At least it doesn’t seem to be from Jesus’ perspective. 

In the Gospels, Jesus didn't reference his passion or death without also talking about the Resurrection. For Jesus, sacrifice isn't a giving of something up, as if it was a loss. It's an exchange. It's an exchange of lower values for higher joys. Jesus sacrificed his life in exchange for freeing the world of the eternal bonds of sin and evil. He came to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.  Or, as St. Paul says, "Having joy set before him, he endured the cross."

So this week, right after Jesus shares with his apostles that he is going to suffer, die, and rise again, we get this scene with James and John asking to sit at the right hand of Jesus when he comes into his kingdom. 

(It’s amazing, isn’t it? Everytime Jesus talks about his suffering, death and resurrection, at least one of his followers reveals the depth of his ambition and how he misunderstands what Jesus means by Kingdom.)

And Jesus’ response is to try and help them understand sacrifice. He essentially says, “Yes,” you will give up your life. You will suffer. You will drink the cup that I drink. But the joy you want, the joy of an earthly kingdom and dominion over others, is not the joy I offer you. That’s not the trade. That’s not what you’ll get on the other side of the sacrifices you make. 

He doesn’t stop there either. Instead he pushes forward. He tells the disciples, “Your leadership here on earth isn’t going to look like everyone else. At least if you want to be representative of me, it won’t. Instead, you’re going to make a sacrifice. Instead of lording your authority over others, you’re going to serve them.

In other words, make a trade. Be humble. Serve. Forgo glory, admiration and power here. Do it because servant leadership brings out the best in others and in you. And do it joyfully because the glory of what’s to come is set before you.   

So, this week, take a look at your life. Is there a sacrifice you’re making begrudgingly? Are you even a little resentful of your cross?

If the answer is yes, there’s no need to be ashamed. It’s part of life. Simply ask Jesus to set the joy of what’s to come before you. Ask him to help you see your cross clothed in the glory of heaven.

May God bless you and remember, you were made to do hard things.