Jesus’ Perspective: He Came with Great Joy

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

Read Hebrews 12:1-3.

Christ knew the glories and splendor of heaven. And yet, He left heaven for earth, and He did so with joy. How can it be that Jesus was delighted to leave the majesty of heaven and come to this broken world in order to do the will of the Father? Though He was counted among the poorest of the poor and the lowest of the low; though He was placed in a feeding trough normally reserved for animals; though most of His life was spent in a small town as a humble carpenter; though He had no place to lay His head during His earthly ministry; though He was betrayed by His closest friends; though He was falsely accused and arrested by the religious leaders of His day; though He was spat upon and whipped with lashes until His skin was torn; though He wore a crown of thorns and His hands and feet were nailed to a cross—He endured it all “for the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2).

The Son of God lived and died and walked under the weight of the worst this world has to offer, and He did it for people—for rebellious, sinful, evil people. For you and for me. We are His joy. The Lord did not act reluctantly, begrudgingly, or angrily. No, He did everything He was asked to do with pure joy. He was pleased to come to earth at Christmas and to die on Good Friday because He could look down through the centuries and see that millions upon millions of people would be saved eternally. Thus, He delighted to do the will of the Father and carry our sentence—your punishment and mine.

This Christmas, find your joy where Jesus did—in doing the will of the Father. Reflect on the beauty of the cross and what it means for you and all of humanity. Thank the Lord that Jesus did not waver but found His joy in perfect obedience. Above all, know that God loves you. As the apostle Paul wrote to the Christians in Rome, “He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). The glories of heaven are yours and mine, awaiting us in eternity. Jesus purchased this future hope for us on the cross.

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for Your incredible love that led You to leave the glories of heaven to save sinners like me. This Christmas, may I keep the full Gospel in view—the Truth that You set Your face toward Calvary all Your life, living perfectly in my stead and then dying to take the punishment I deserve. Amazingly, it was Your joy to redeem me. Your love is worthy of all my worship! I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“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).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Christmas According to Jesus: LISTEN NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
View All


Email Sign-up

Sign up for the TWR360 Newsletter

Access updates, news, Biblical teaching and inspirational messages from powerful Christian voices.

Thank you for signing up to receive updates from TWR360.

Required information missing

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy & Terms of Use apply.