Christ longed for the cross, because he looked for it as the goal of all his exertions. He could never say “It is finished” on his throne: but on his cross he did cry it. He preferred the sufferings of Calvary to the honors of the multitude who crowded round about him; for bless and heal them as he might, still was his work undone. “I long for my sufferings, because they shall be the completion of my great work of grace.” It is the end that bringeth the honor; it is the victory that crowneth the warrior rather than the battle. And so Christ longed for this, his death, that he might see the completion of his labor.

Daily Help.