“Yet, now I am coming to you.  I speak these things in the world in order that they might have my joy in its fullness in themselves.”

(John 17:13)

Do you see what it is that Jesus is saying?  He is saying that now that he is getting ready to go to the Father, he is saying the things he has said (presumably in the prayer) so that the Apostles would have the fullness of Jesus’ joy in themselves.  Yet, what has Jesus been talking about?  He has been speaking about God’s election of his own people and his call of us (as believers) to himself.  He is also speaking of judgment upon those who disbelieve and of God’s promise to preserve his own despite the challenges of this world.

The point is this—Jesus is talking about theological matters—questions of truth.  And Jesus is saying that these kinds of discussions ought to bring us joy and make that joy complete.  How interesting it is that so many churches and even denominations stray away from speaking of theological things, but simply speak of practical matters.  How we have been depriving ourselves of joy by not thinking and speaking on these kinds of theological matters often enough.  How often we seek to find our joy in the comforts of this world rather than in the truth that can be found in God and in his Word.  Beloved, think on these things and trust God to make your joy full.