Topical Bible: Joy: The Disciple, After the Resurrection of Jesus

◄ Joy: The Disciple, After the Resurrection of Jesus ►

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Introduction

Joy, as experienced by the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus, is a profound theme in the New Testament. This joy is not merely an emotional response but a deep, spiritual state that reflects the fulfillment of God's promises and the victory over sin and death. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian faith, and the joy it brings is both a testament to the truth of the Gospel and a source of strength for believers.

Biblical Context

The resurrection of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels, and each account highlights the transformation of the disciples' sorrow into joy. Initially, the disciples were in a state of despair following the crucifixion. However, their encounter with the risen Christ changed everything. In John 20:20 , it is written, "After He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord." This joy was not just a fleeting emotion but a profound realization of the fulfillment of Jesus' promises.

The Nature of Joy

The joy experienced by the disciples is rooted in the assurance of Jesus' victory over death. In Luke 24:41 , the disciples' joy is described as so overwhelming that they could hardly believe it: "And while they still could not believe it because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, 'Do you have anything here to eat?'" This joy is characterized by a sense of wonder and awe, as well as a renewed understanding of Jesus' teachings.

Joy as a Fulfillment of Prophecy

The resurrection and the subsequent joy of the disciples fulfill Old Testament prophecies and Jesus' own predictions about His death and resurrection. In Psalm 16:11 , it is prophesied, "You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand." The disciples' joy is a realization of this divine promise, as they witness the living Christ and understand the path of life He has revealed.

Joy and the Great Commission

The joy of the resurrection is intrinsically linked to the mission of the disciples. In Matthew 28:8 , after the women encounter the risen Jesus, it is written, "So they hurried away from the tomb in fear and great joy, and ran to tell His disciples." This joy propels the disciples to spread the Gospel, as they are emboldened by the truth of the resurrection. The Great Commission, given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20, is carried out with a spirit of joy, as the disciples are assured of Jesus' presence with them "to the very end of the age."

Joy in the Early Church

The joy of the resurrection continued to be a defining characteristic of the early Church. In Acts 2:46-47 , it is described how the early believers "broke bread together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people." This communal joy was a powerful witness to the transformative power of the resurrection and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

Conclusion

The joy experienced by the disciples after the resurrection of Jesus is a central theme in the New Testament, reflecting the fulfillment of God's promises and the transformative power of the risen Christ. This joy is not only a historical reality but also a present experience for believers, as they live in the light of the resurrection and the hope of eternal life.

Nave's Topical Index

Luke 24:41
And while they yet believed not for joy, and wondered, he said to them, Have you here any meat?
Nave's Topical Index

Library

After the Resurrection Day.
... Jesus was manifested to the disciples, after that he ... forth among the brethren, that
that disciple should not ... and returned to Jerusalem with great joy: and were ...
//christianbookshelf.org/barton/his last week/after the resurrection day.htm

Jesus' Friendships after He Arose.
... mention must have given unspeakable joy to Peter ... the sacredness of love, the disciple
made confession ... the most interesting of the after resurrection incidents is ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter xiv jesus friendships after.htm

Jesus and Thomas.
... if the heart be full of hope, every joy is doubled ... who hates not his own life cannot
be his disciple. ... incident in the story of Thomas is after the resurrection. ...
/.../miller/personal friendships of jesus/chapter viii jesus and thomas.htm

Nineteenth Day. Holiness and Resurrection.
... be the purpose, the prayer, the expectation of the disciple. ... the 'delight in the
law of God after the inward ... will, have been an entrance into the joy and power ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/nineteenth day holiness and resurrection.htm

The Disciple, -- O Master, Fountain of Life! Why Dost Thou Hide ...
... The Disciple,"O Master, Fountain of life ... Therefore after the resurrection only those
were able to see Me ... Thus also I give My children life and joy by means of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple .htm

The Friend of Men 223 in Nothing Does the Contrast Between Jesus ...
... to overcome them, and when Zaccheus turned disciple, the demand ... Beyond this interest
in life's joy and its ... were bold to bear his name after his resurrection ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the friend of men.htm

"Peace be unto You"
... the Spirit did not take place till after Christ's ascension ... The doubting disciple
knew that none of his companions ... His heart leaped for joy, and he cast himself ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 84 peace be unto.htm

The Early Years of Jesus
... explained by the influence of master over disciple, since the ... customary for a Jewish
boy not long after passing his ... It is easy to feel with what joy he would ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/v the early years of.htm

Angels Announce the Resurrection to Certain Women. Peter and John ...
... what happened to the other women after Mary had ... fear, because of the heavenly messengers;
joy, because of ... entered in therefore the other disciple also, who ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxiv angels announce the resurrection.htm

Third and Fourth Appearances of Jesus.
... b 12 And after these things he ... It has been suggested that the other disciple was
Luke himself. ... the risen Lord was but the consummation of a joy already begun ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/cxxxvii third and fourth appearances.htm