Devotion:
Read John 15:9-12.
“The Gospel According To John” includes a large section in which Jesus spends time teaching his disciples the night before he died. These verses are part of that section. What he shares here is a good summation of all he did with all of his disciples, especially the inner circle of the twelve. He sought to share with them (as much as he felt like they could absorb) about who God is and what he is seeking to do in the world. He wanted them to experience for themselves the relationship he had with God the Father. He showed them God’s love because he knew that love himself.
Knowing that love produces a deep sense of joy. He wanted them to know the fullness of that joy as well. And just as he didn’t keep it for himself, he expected that they would not either. They would pass it along to others. As they went out to share the good news of Christ, they would say to those around them “Just as Jesus gave me this joy, I give it to you as well. I want you to have this complete joy in your life too.”
That line of receiving and giving is to continue today through the followers of Jesus Christ. He passed along this joy to his disciples, who passed it along to others, who continued that pattern down through the years to our time. It is our turn now. It is your turn now. Receive the gift of the joy of Christ. You can keep it for yourself, but by some miracle, you can also give it away to others, and it won’t lessen what you still have! In fact, it will actually increase the joy you have!
Personal Worship Option:
In this passage, Jesus connects the love of God with this joy that results. Who do you know that needs you to share the love of God (maybe with actions first, then with words) so that they begin to experience this joy?
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