Divine joy.
It seems at first sight singular that our Lord's conversation, just at this solemn and pathetic crisis of his ministry, should be of joy. It seems as if consolation and peace were timely and appropriate themes, but as if the contrast between Christ's approaching sufferings and the joy which he claims to possess and to impart were too marked. This, however, is a glorious paradox.
I. THE ELEMENTS OF OUR SAVIOR'S JOY. His was:
1. The joy of self-sacrifice, which is unknown to the world, but of which Jesus has given us the one sublime example.
2. The joy of benevolence. He lost himself in those for whom he lived and died; their salvation was the inspiration of his endurance and the joy of his anticipation.
3. The joy of harmony with the Father's purpose and of securing the Father's approval.
II. THE IMPARTATION OF OUR SAVIOR'S JOY.
1. It comes through the identification of the disciples, through faith, with the Master.
2. It consists in living sympathy with his mind and purposes.
3. It increases and is fulfilled through their active employment in his service. The joy of the Lord is commenced in fellowship of labor, and consummated in the vision and recompense of heaven.
III. THE SUPERIORITY OF OUR SAVIOR'S JOY. If it is contrasted with the joy of the worldly and sinful, such a comparison will bring out its immeasurable superiority.
1. For it is joy dignified and worthy of a moral and spiritual nature, whilst worldly joy is largely that of the inferior part of our being.
2. It is satisfying, whilst he that drinketh of the springs of earth thirsts again.
3. It is eternal, being not only progressive upon earth, but consummated in heaven. "Earth's joys grow dim, its glories fade away." But Christ's joy is the joy which is immortal.—T.