Homiletic Magazine John 15:11 These things have I spoken to you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. I. ITS SOURCES. 1. The consciousness of the abiding presence of the Father. Harmony of Spirit with heaven. 2. The obedience and attachment of the disciples. Great is the joy of a tutor or parent when the scholar or child manifests proficiency and perseverence. 3. The beneficent effects of His working. It was His joy to take this up, and his meat to finish it. 4. The foresight of the working of His truth in the world, and its ultimate results. "He shall not fail nor be discouraged." "He shall see of the travail of His soul." II. ITS CHARACTERISTICS. 1. It was not like the joy of the world, which is often mere levity, never lasts, and is quenched by death. 2. It was — (1) A steady joy. All through His life, from His infancy to His Cross, we see calm joy and obedience. (2) A joy in the prospect of death (Hebrews 12:3). (3) A lasting joy, not variable, like that of many of us — grasping at the clouds one day, and the next in the depths of despair. (4) A shared joy. He lived not for Himself, but for others. Those who seek to bless others are always the most happy. III. ITS INFLUENCE. Strength-inspiring, health-giving. Sterne said every smile tends to lengthen out the fragment of our lives. No wonder, with this inspiration, the apostles became what they did. What manner of men ought we to be? (Homiletic Magazine.) Parallel Verses KJV: These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. |
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