The Joys of Jesus

"Jesus ... because of the joy that was before him, endured the cross, having despised shame." Hebrews 12: 2

When we think of the earthly life of our Lord Jesus, it is above all as a "man of sorrows" that we remember him: the incomprehension he encountered, his rejection, his physical or moral sufferings; we rethink the occasions when he cried ... However, on several occasions, directly or not, he speaks of his joy.

Soon after being obliged to pronounce "woe unto you" on the cities that had most benefited from his ministry, "Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said : I praise thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth ; that thou hast hid these things from the wise and the intelligent, and hast revealed them unto little children. Yes, Father, for that is what you have found good before you" (Luke 10:21). His joy came from his peaceful acceptance of the will of his Father.

Through a parable, Jesus depicts himself in the guise of a shepherd who goes to look for his lost sheep. "On his return home, he calls friends and neighbors and says to them : Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep, which was lost "(Luke 15: 6). Each person who recognizes himself lost and accepts him as his personal Savior gives our Lord a special joy.

Shortly before going to Golgotha, Jesus revealed to His disciples the source of His joy : "I have kept My Father's commandments and I abide in His love. I have told you this, that my joy may be in you" (John 15: 10-11). His communion of love with his Father was his joy throughout his life. It is also proposed to us.

Finally, the text of the day indicates another joy of Jesus : this "joy that was before him". It is that of the resurrection, of its just exaltation at the right hand of God, of its future triumph, of glory with its redeemed at last gathered around it.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength," said Nehemiah (Neh 8:10). The joys of Jesus - the acceptance of the will of God, the salvation of a sinner, communion with his Father, hope - have been sources of strength amidst all sadness, sorrow and the sufferings of his earthly life. So this Sunday, like the disciples in the upper room, let us rejoice with Jesus !

Source (To pleasing the Lord)