Christ's Willing Delight in Redemptive Suffering

When Christ declared, "I delight to do thy will, O my God" (Psalm 40:8), He spoke from the depths of genuine pleasure—not grim duty. Spurgeon reminds us that even in eternity, when the Son reclined in the Father's blessed bosom, His delights were with the sons of men. The prospect of redemption animated His heart.

When Christ arrived in the world and endured mounting abuses, He cried out: "How am I straitened, or pained till it be accomplished!" (Luke 12:50). His eagerness was not metaphorical. Christ approached His sacrificial work with willing cheerfulness—the very prerequisite for a true sacrifice. God has always regarded the willingness of the offerer; His law demanded it.

Why was Christ's obedience so gladly embraced? First, He foresaw a glorious display of Elohim's divine attributes—justice, mercy, and holiness magnified simultaneously. Second, He beheld the recovery and salvation of all the elect through His death; though His sufferings were exceedingly bitter, such fruit was exceedingly sweet. Third, He anticipated eternal glory: the saints would ascribe praise, honor, and worship to Him forever.

Here lies the profound commendation of Christ's love. That He came to die for us is mercy of the first magnitude; but that He came in love, willingly undergoing all sufferings for our sakes—this heightens it beyond apprehension. His example becomes our pattern: never to grudge or grumble at any duty or suffering God calls us to perform.