Joy can feel out of reach. Life is busy and heavy, and many of us go weeks without feeling real gladness. Some of us grew up thinking faith was mostly rules and seriousness, with little room for joy.
Jesus talked about joy on a very surprising night.
Joy at the last supper
It was the night before Jesus died. He was eating with his closest friends. He knew what was coming. It would have made sense for him to talk only about sorrow.
Instead, he talked about love, friendship, and joy. He told them he was like a vine and they were the branches, connected to him. Then he told them why he was saying all this.
The Gospel of John, one of the four accounts of Jesus's life, records it.
These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
John 15:11 · King James VersionThe original Greek
ταῦτα λελάληκα ὑμῖν ἵνα ἡ χαρὰ ἡ ἐμὴ ἐν ὑμῖν ᾖ καὶ ἡ χαρὰ ὑμῶν πληρωθῇ.
Found in Codex Vaticanus (about AD 325), Codex Sinaiticus (about AD 350).
My joy in you. Your joy full. On the night before the cross, Jesus wanted his friends to have joy.
His joy
Jesus's joy did not come from easy circumstances. His life was hard. People opposed him, and he was about to suffer. His joy came from his closeness with his Father, and from his love for his friends.
That is the joy he wanted to share: a gladness that comes from being loved and loving others, even when life is hard.
What it means for you
Joy is something Jesus wants for you, as a gift he shares.
You can make room for it today. Thank God for three good things before you sleep tonight. Spend time with someone you love. Do something kind for someone. Kindness often brings gladness with it. Sing, even badly.
Joy often grows when we share it. Jesus shared his with his friends, and he shares it with you.