The Joy of Christ
In order to understand fully a Christian's joy, we must take a look at the joy-filled lifestyle of Christ. Where did His joy come from? What were the principles by which He lived?
What role does joy have in three of the most popular parables Jesus told? What's the common element in all three stories?
The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7)
The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)
The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)
These three parables give us insight into the heart of God. It is a heart that is willing to celebrate. It is the pure joy of God, the joy of reaching the lost. No wonder that, despite His trials and suffering, Jesus was anointed with joy, for He knew that-because of what He would accomplish-many people would be saved.
Consider the significance of the words recorded in Hebrews 12:2, 3. Prayerfully contemplate the words: "who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame . . ." (NKJV). Write some of the thoughts that come to your mind as you meditate on the meaning of these words. What was the joy that was set before Him? Why would the salvation of lost souls be so important to God?
How would you reconcile the idea that Jesus was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53:3, NKJV) yet at the same time was a man of joy? Pick a specific problem in your life that causes you sorrow and grief. How, despite this sorrow, can you experience for yourself the kind of joy that Jesus did?
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