082. Jesus, The Joy of

082. Jesus, The Joy of

82 THE JOY OF JESUS John 15:11;John 17:13

INTRODUCTION Many phases to the character of Jesus. Many have thought of him in terms only of sorrow. We never see him in his fullness till we see all phases of his character.

I. NEW TESTAMENT A BOOK OF JOY 1. Tragedy in New Testament-crucifixion of Jesus; death of Stephen and James.

2. Yet it opens with joy over the birth of Jesus. (Luke 2:14.) 3. It closes with a superb picture of multitudes singing "Hallelujah Choruses."

4. Christianity only religion that has great songs-Mohammedanism has none.

5. Behind New Testament is a joyous personality, Jesus.

II. JOY AND SORROW NOT ANTAGONISTIC 1. Jesus "a man of sorrows." (Isaiah 53:3.) 2. He is too often pictured from his cries of agony . (Mark 14:34; John 12:27.) 3. Joy and sorrow arise from same capacity of feeling.

4. Ocean has room for calm and tempest; so has a great soul.

III. JOY NOT BASED ON EXTERNAL CONDITIONS 1. Under shadow of the cross Jesus said, "Be of good cheer." (John 16:33.) 2. Repeated to Paul while a prisoner. (Acts 23:11.) 3. Jesus endured the cross for the joy. (Hebrews 12:2.) 4. He triumphed in joy over death .

IV. CHRISTIANS SHOULD HAVE THAT JOY 1. "My joy may be in you." (John 15:11.) 2. "Joy may be made full." (John 17:13.) 3. Joy the fruit of the Spirit . (Galatians 5:23.) 4. Rejoice always. (Php 4:4.) 5. Even in persecution. (Matthew 5:12.) 6. Worship should be joyful. (Psalms 122:1.) 7. Rejoice that name written in heaven. (Luke 10:20.)