Joy of the LORD

Read Luke 9:51-56, 17:11-18, Luke 10-11, John 10:22-42
 
Luke 10:21 At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit, and he said, “O Father, LORD of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding these things from those who think themselves wise and clever, and for revealing them to the childlike. Yes, Father, it pleased you to do it this way.”
 
YOU may be wondering about Jesus’ joy. This doesn’t seem to be an emotion we connect with Jesus, do we? After all, the gospels focus on Jesus’ ministry to teach, preach and rebuke as he offers miraculous healings, exorcisms and feedings. Jesus confronted much turmoil as God’s own people repeatedly aligned Jesus with Satan and often picked up stones to kill him.
   Those who did seek his teachings often seemed to do so for self-gain. Many Jews eagerly approached Jesus to be physically healed while ignoring his power to heal them eternally. Only a few people seemed to get close to understanding Jesus’ true identity.
   His life was prophesied to be that way. Return to Isaiah 53, which summarizes the physical and spiritual horrors Jesus would endure. Take five minutes and read it. You will see such words as “He has no form or comeliness.” “He was despised, and we did not esteem him.” “But he was wounded for our transgressions…by his stripes we are healed.” And “The LORD has laid on him the sin of us all.” Furthermore, Jesus said discipleship means suffering, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Truly, this cross business is a life-and-death commitment! Living under the cross requires an active faith underscored with grit, determination and perseverance. Where is joy in that kind of life? How could the chastised, sorrowful Savior, about to be pierced on the cross, be filled with joy? 
   The answer comes in the entire account of Jesus sending the 72 in Luke 10:1-21. Joy filled Jesus that day because the short-term mission gave him the opportunity to witness the Spirit fulfill the Son’s own ministry mission statement: Luke 4:18-19 “The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19 to proclaim the year of the LORD’S favor.” (NIV)
   We have seen the results of the Holy Spirit empowering Jesus to minister. Now see how Jesus sent the 72 on their Spirit-empowered mission to remove sickness and demons – to proclaim freedom for the captives and to demonstrate the LORD’S favor upon his people. They did the same saving work Jesus had done!
   Yes, Jesus is the joyful Lord. Those 72 disciples – not even his closest 12 – had listened, learned and acted in faith. The Father has affirmed Jesus’ power will be transferred to those chosen to minister the gospel. The LORD’S favor will save more people.
   Jesus is joyful, too, because he is your Savior. He loves you, even willing to die, so you will be saved. His joy is in your salvation.