Righteous Rejoicer—Luke 10:21

Often, we hear sermons in which Jesus is the “Suffering Savior.” How often do we think of the
lighter side of Christ? The scriptures tell, only once, of Jesus rejoicing. Other passages speak of
his joy, John 15:11 and 17:13, but the action in Luke 10 is different because all three of the
Godhead are rejoicing. Vine’s dictionary defines the word “rejoice” as an emotion with a visible
expression. In the Greek, the word means “to jump for joy.”

The first reason Jesus rejoiced was because of the commission of the seventy disciples. They
were joyous upon returning. We should always rejoice in the Lord, Philippians 4:4. Christ’s
disciples were not just receptive to His will but also obedience to His will, and that is where real
rejoicing can take place. We should rejoice in our obedience, in our encouragement, and in our
evangelism. 2 Timothy 2:25, 1 Corinthians 2:14

The seventy were overjoyed with their defeat of Satan’s accomplices. We may recall an earlier
incident in which the apostles were unable to cast out demons, Matthew 17:14-20. Their issue
was a lack of faith. Sometimes we exhibit those same inadequacies. Too many times, what we
want the Bible to say is true is not what the Bible says is true. Due to our unbelief, we might not
defeat a comrade of darkness as we ought, but, as we walk in the light as he is in the light,
darkness retreats, and we can be victorious, 1 John 1:6-9. We should rejoice in overcoming our
trials—Christ did, Paul did, Colossians 1:24-29. We should rejoice in contributing to Satan’s
downfall. 2 Corinthians 4:4, Colossians 1:13.

The seventy were overjoyed with the success of their mission, and Christ in v. 22 explains why
they should. Throughout man’s history, God has used the common, weak, insignificant, lowly,
foolish, and despised to see His will fulfilled, 1 Corinthians 1:26-27. Only God can reveal the
true spiritual identity of Christ. Romans 9:16. We should rejoice in God’s extension of grace.
John 1:12-13, Ephesians 2:8. We should rejoice in God’s love, 1 Peter 1:1-2, John 17:23.

What will your report to Christ?