The Joy Paradox

I don’t view Jesus as being full of joy. I envision His passion. Zeal. Hunger for righteousness. I hear Him calling people broods of vipers and envision Him overturning tables in the temple courts. I see tears rolling down His cheeks while mourning Lazarus’ death. I listen to his words as He teaches in the temple as a young boy and on the mountainside as a man. I hear the bread being broken as it feeds thousands. Yet my mental archives fail to produce an image of Jesus doing the happy dance.

As I thought about this, I pondered the things that bring me joy. The sound of my little boy babbling guarantees a good laugh. I love it when my daughter climbs into bed and snuggles with me. I guard Sunday nights, cherishing the rare opportunity to get time alone with my husband. Starbucks has to make the list if it’s shared with a friend and a great book can’t be overlooked. But Jesus didn’t have any of these. Unmarried. No children. Not even a home to rest his head. Loved by some. Despised by others.

But then I started thinking about some other things that bring me joy. Two weeks ago I finished a work proposal I’d been staying up late for months slaving over. I celebrated all weekend after turning it in, relieved to be finished while knowing I did my best. A little light bulb went off in my head. Jesus didn’t just complete the job He came to do and He didn’t just do his best. He did it perfectly, even unto the bitter end.

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

I don’t want to sound irreverent, but I want to cry out, “are you kidding me? For the joy set before him endured the cross? Scorned its shame?” I will never begin to comprehend the physical agony involved with Christ’s flogging and crucifixion. I could barely watch The Passion of the Christ for it grieves me to visualize the agony my Christ went through. What is more, Deuteronomy 21:23 says, “Anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse.” And yet we’re told Jesus did all of these things for the joy set before him. Amazing.

Are you wondering where the joy is to be found in all that? Myriads of answers exist, but let me give you a few. First of all, you, my friend. You served as the joy compelling Christ to endure the cross, knowing it would provide a way for Him to fellowship with you. I’d also wager my King’s joy came from following through on the plans his father laid out for him. They weren’t easy plans, nor were they painless, but they were the ones given him. And He obeyed.

We are entering the most beautiful, sacred time of year. Wave the palms as the unlikely king rides a donkey. See yourself with the crowds just a few short days later screaming out “crucify him. Crucify him.” Watch the nails pierce innocent skin. Wail. Mourn. Go to the tomb and let fear and confusion sweep you away as you look for a missing body. And then maybe, just maybe, do the joy dance as you hear the most incredible words ever spoken:

He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay.” Matthew 28:6

Ah, sweet joy paradox!