When a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come. But when her child is born, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy of having brought a human being into the world. So you have pain now; but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take your joy from you. -John 16:21-22 NRSV
The resurrection points us to this joy that Jesus speaks of. The disciples watched their Messiah die a torturous death. They felt such intense anguish as Jesus was beaten, unrighteously judged, sentenced to death and crucified. Hope was no where to be found as they gathered together after Jesus was buried. Then in an instant, he stood before them.
The resurrection of Jesus was a moment of pure joy. In a moment, anguish turned to joy. Hopelessness to hope. Because Jesus conquered death everything changed. Eyes were opened. Like the delivery of a baby, lives were forever changed. It is still that way. Joy comes when our eyes are opened to the resurrected Christ. How could it not?
Thank you for the joy of knowing you Jesus. There is no greater joy.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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