I’m not sure what human emotion we would most associate with Jesus as we read through the gospels. Maybe it’s not a questions we have ever considered. Have a think now and see what emotions come to mind – what are we thinking of?

Would it be be anger because of how often people opposed Him in His life? Would it be frustration because of how many times He explained something to His followers only to see them misunderstand it once again? Would it be sorrow because of all that He witnessed and ultimately suffered?

If I am being honest I probably would have jumped to the more negative emotions. Perhaps that’s because of the religious culture that I have grown up where the overwhelming message was that we were a constant disappointment for God because we would not uphold the life that He desired for us. That lens was probably what I most read the gospels through, which is sad. (At least I didn’t think of apathy?)

Now, I’m not saying that Jesus didn’t feel frustration, sorrow, or anger during His time on earth; it’s clear that those emotions were in there at times too. But I either dismissed or underestimated the amount of time He would have spent playing, joking, laughing, dancing and enjoying time with His friends. I never thought about the times He was surprised or astonished at someones faith or the times He celebrated with those who tasted freedom for the first time in a long time. People were drawn to Jesus and I don’t think it was just because of His power and authority – I think it was great to be around.

As I was reading in the book of John I came across a supernatural moment of emotion from Jesus. It came after He had sent the 72 followers out on mission. We are told that they had returned rejoicing because they saw the kingdom realised in front of their eyes. Only a couple of verses after this we hear this;

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. Luke 10:21

I love this.

Jesus wasn’t just happy because the 72 had returned, or because their mission had been successful. Happiness is a good thing but it is only a consequence of a good thing that has happened. This is not what Jesus was experiencing here.

Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit.

Joy is something beyond emotion or circumstances. Joy is not the result of contentment or a good day. Joy is a fruit of the spirit, it is something that can only fully be produced through a life that is led in the Spirit. It is supernatural. I have images in my mind of what a ‘full of joy’ Jesus would have looked like. I picture Him smiling ear to ear, belly laughing, giggling at everything that was being said, overcome by the realisation of the spirit working in Him. I’m not sure if that is what it looked like but it’s my picture and I’m sticking to it.

The other thing that I realise is that Joy is available to each of us today.

No matter what we are facing or experiencing today Joy can be produced in our lives and it doesn’t require a circumstantial turnaround to receive it, it requires a mindset shift. It requires a friendship and partnership with the spirit that if watered and tended to will produce the great fruit of joy! I’m not saying it is easy but it is available.

Holy Spirit, fill us with your Joy today!