God wanted relationship.

Man wanted religion.

For centuries the Lord called, “This is the way of life, I want the best for you!”

And man replied, “We’d rather have rules than get too close to you.” For they did not know that God was loving and compassionate above all else.

For centuries God patiently endured and cared for a people who did not want him, and could not measure up. So he sent his son.

His son came lowly and gentle, ready to serve and love the people who did not want him. He stood at the back of the lonely and unwanted, caring for them all the while.

The people in power that relied on fear and enslavement hated him, because he showed that God was not angry, but kind and forgiving.

So they whipped him and stripped him, beat him, and cursed him, spat in his face, the son of God, treated like a dog. All of this he was willing to endure. Without cursing them back, hitting them back, hating them back, judging them back, all of this he could have easily done but he stayed silent and submissive even unto death.

Why?

For the Joy set before him.

You.