John 15:11 These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 1. Jesus spoke these words to those who were about to be His representatives in the world. It was no easy mission on which He was sending them; but it was His will that they should go, not as soldiers on a forlorn hope, with the courage of despair, but in that holy joyous tone of spirit which means the courage of confident victory. And what He means for one set of disciples He means for all. 2. Note three elements of Christ's joy. I. HIS FILAL JOY. We are brought into the presence of it in chap. John 17. Now it is His will that we should share the joy of sonship. We may do this by faith in His name and the possession of the Spirit of Adoption which He gives. What joy can equal that of even the greatest sufferer who trusts and delights in his Father in heaven? II. THE JOY OF SERVICE. "I delight to do Thy will." Even beyond results, beyond the luxury of doing good, there is a joy in the very serving itself. To gather the wanderers, to win the young, to alleviate suffering, drives away a thousand black thoughts, and fills the individual heart and the Church with joy. What a joyful ring there is in "Neither count I My life dear unto Myself, that I might finish My course with joy." The self-same joy is open to us. Instead of being self-seekers, let us simply ask, "What is the will of God for me?" The narrow, dissatisfied, unhappy, will find their cure here. III. THE SAVIOUR JOY. There are many passages in which this comes into view — e.g., when Jesus saw the poor and lowly gathering around Him, He "rejoiced in spirit"; and then, when the publican and sinner drew near, He likened Himself to the shepherd, who in rescuing the lost sheep, called his friends together, saying, "rejoice with me." This is the joy for which He endured the Cross and despised the shame. Now He will have all Christians share in that very joy, and be glad in the fruits of the travail of His soul. (J. Culross, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. |
    |