Real Conversations (Luke 8-10)Sampel

Whatever makes us the happiest often reveals what we truly value. Do we get more excited about temporal blessings or eternal ones? Do we get more excited about a new car or a new brother or sister in Christ? Today’s passage is unique in that it is the only record in the Bible of Jesus’ greatly rejoicing. We see Him weeping and mourning several times, but only once did He rejoice.

The word rejoice alone may not paint the most vivid image for the English reader. The Greek word translated as rejoice means “to exult” or “to be exuberant.” Jesus mentions “His joy” on at least two other occasions (John 15:11; 17:13), but here alone it says that He rejoiced. His joy was to do the will of the Father, and in the passages in John, He instructed His disciples how to experience the same joy He expressed as they live out the mission He gave them.

Jesus rejoiced greatly about the news that God’s sovereign grace had saved souls through the disciples’ ministry. If thinking on these matters of sovereign grace caused Jesus to exult, then the same should be true for us as we grow to be more like Jesus.

Question

What was the last thing that made you rejoice and celebrate? Why did it bring you such joy?

Prayer:

God, thank You for this example of joy from Jesus, which shows me what is most important. Father, continue to transform me into the image of Jesus in every way.