From Genesis 3 throughout the Old Testament prophecies were made about One Who would take care of the sin problem once and for all.  A new JOY was coming.  That joy came in the Second Person of the Holy Trinity – Jesus the Son.

Here are examples that demonstrate the integral relationship between Jesus and joy.

• Expectation of the coming Messiah brought JOY

“When they (the wise men) saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.” Matthew 2: 10

• His Birth brought Joy to the World

“And so the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2: 10-11

• What brought joy to Jesus was being obedient to the Father.

“but so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father commanded Me.”   (from John 14:31)

• His JOY in us, not us trying to act or be joyful in our own strength.

“Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full.”  John 15: 9-11

• When sinners repent

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance….In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”  Luke 15: 7, 10

•  His Crucifixion that brought our Salvation

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,  fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”   Hebrews 12: 1-2

Who but Jesus would consider the cross of suffering and death for our sins a JOY?  The answer is none but the Son of God, Who knew no sin, because He came for that reason alone.

Child of God, how often do you stop and meditate on this the greatest act of love and compassion, mercy and grace the world has ever witnessed?  If not, why not?  No other thought should bring greater joy to our souls than this – that Christ came, lived, died, and rose so that we could again experience the joy of the Lord, once again perfect before our Holy Perfect Father.

Lost sinner, what more evidence do you need of the love of God the Father than this Gift He sent to save you from your sins and Hell?  What else would you have Jesus do to prove His love to you than His horrific bloody death for your life?  He has given His all that you can be saved.  Will you receive Him today?

For Christ’s sake,