07/17/18 INSIGHTS TO JOY FROM MATTHEW'S GOSPEL
Joy comes with truth and faith.
These 6 verses from Matthew show us the place of Joy in the believer's life.
Please read.
The Magi were filled with Joy as they realized that they were about to find the long expected, Divinely foretold Messiah, the King of Israel.
Matthew 2:10
10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.
Jesus taught that those who receive the word of God are the ones who hear it and receive it with joy. (Sadly, it is possible to receive, accept, believe the word of God with joy, but then become offended by the the difficulties of life, and as a result, abandon, reject the word of God, thereby losing the joy of the Lord.
Matthew 13:20
20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;
Jesus also taught that when a person realizes the great worth (value) of salvation, he may desire it so much that he sells all that he has, he abandons everything in order to take hold of that great treasure.
Matthew 13:44
44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
Jesus taught that the good and faithful servant, who serves God in this present evil world will inherit a place of honor and joy with God forever.
Matthew 25:21 (and vs. 23)
21 His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.
We find joy when we realize that He died for our sins and rose again for our justification; when we realize that He was dead, but lives again, giving us eternal life.
Matthew 28:8
8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring his disciples word.
