"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full." (NASB)
What is the key to complete joy? To answer that, I think we have to look to the words this particular translation is using. Jesus says, "that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full" (emphasis added). There is something to these specific words He is using in relation to the message of the previous verses. In John 15: 1-11, Jesus is teaching His disciples about abiding. Jesus is "in" the Father, and the Father is "in" Jesus. Jesus has access to every part of the Father because He is "in" Him. What I find interesting though is in John 14, Jesus talks about His oneness with the Father and the role the Spirit plays in His life then in Chapter 15 he begins talking about abiding.
Through careful study of the Scripture, what this communicates to me is Jesus, talking to us as fully Man, is one with the Father through the Holy Spirit by abiding in Him which is the "My joy" referred to in verse 11. The Greek word for abide in John 15:4 is meno which is translated as "to remain, abide, dwell." In other words, to stay.
So, in conclusion, if we are to experience lasting joy, then we are to stay in Him. This is how Jesus' joy becomes our joy because Jesus' joy comes from being in union with the Father in an ongoing, everlasting communion and fellowship. Jesus wants to give us the gift of joy so that His joy becomes ours - will we receive it?
How do we receive this gift? How does one "stay" in Him?
I will leave you with those questions to prompt seeking the Father - and for something to explore as we go along- so stay tuned :)
I think these concepts will develop over the coming weeks as we continue exploring the Scriptures and praying for God to illuminate His Word in our hearts.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Carri
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