Why Did There Have to be a Cross? Because Jesus Desired to be Crowned with Glory and Honor

Scripture: Hebrews 2:7 & 9-10

"YOU HAVE MADE HIM FOR A LITTLE WHILE LOWER THAN THE ANGELS; YOU HAVE CROWNED HIM WITH GLORY AND HONOR, AND HAVE APPOINTED HIM OVER THE WORKS OF YOUR HANDS;… But we do see Him who was made for a little while lower than the angels, namely, Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.  For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things, and through whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to perfect the author of their salvation through sufferings.

Insights: Let me bring this week to a close by showing you one more restorative work of Jesus through His superiority.  Look above at verse seven.  Did you notice with what man was crowned?  Glory and Honor.  And what did man lose when Adam sinned?  Glory and Honor.  And with what does verse nine tell us Jesus will be crowned?  Glory and Honor.  And into what did verse ten say Jesus was going to bring many sons?  Glory.  Do you see how every piece of the puzzle this week has fit together to reveal to us Jesus’ great love for us, His creation and brother.  Paul expresses this truth in a very powerful way in Philippians 2:5-11.  It reads, “⁵ Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death-- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,  that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  That passage is a beautiful expression of Jesus’ glory.  So, the final reason there had to be a cross was because Jesus desired to be crowned with glory and honor.

Questions:

1. What comes to your mind when you think of your lost glory?
2. How do you feel knowing that one day Jesus will bring you into His glory because He was crowned with glory and honor?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I am overwhelmed that You love me so much that You are bringing me into Your glory.  I am so unworthy to receive Your grace, but I am so thankful You do love me that much.  Let my life reflect that gratitude back to You.   Amen.