Read John 15:10, 11. What is Jesus linking joy to? How, in a practical sense, does this work; that is, why should this lead to joy?
  
   In this passage Jesus is linking Joy to obedience with keeping
   the commandments of God. I believe that in the commandments God
   has shown to us the best way to live on this earth. Also the
   commandments provide us with boundaries to help us avoid negative
   consequences from violating these commandments.
  
   Also I think that if we truly love God, that we will desire to
   please Him. When we know that our lives are approved of God
   because we do the things that pleases Him it gives us peace
   and Joy
  
   I would like to add a caveat here, this is not saying that we are
   to try and be legalistically obedient. Our obedience is always
   as a result of the righteousness of Jesus. His goodness gives
   us the strength and ability to be more perfectly obedient to
   the commands of God.
  
Read Psalm 19:8, Jeremiah 15:16, and Matthew 7:21-27. How do they link obedience with joy? Jeremiah 15:16, and Matthew 7:21-27. How do they link obedience with joy?
  
   The text in Jeremiah declares that obedience to God's word is
   something which bring about Joy. And looking at the story in
   Matthew we can see why obedience to God's word and brings joy.
  
   Obedience to the word gives you a strong foundation for which
   to build your life. This foundation of obedience will save
   you from future calamity. I believe also that obedience to
   God's helps you live life to your greatest potential which
   also brings joy.
  
How have you experienced for yourself the joy that comes from obedience? Or, to ask the question negatively: How have you experienced the pain and suffering that come from not obeying the Lord?
  
   I am thankful for the commandments of God by being
   obedient to them it has allowed me to avoid many
   sorrows. Also in the wider context of the entire
   scripture I have found counsel that has helped me
   immeasurably and obedience to this has brought me joy.
  
   Sometimes the things which God asks us to do don't appear
   to be things which is in our best interest. In those
   instances we should just give God the benefit of the
   doubt. Well He is God I am not maybe he does know what
   He is doing you think?
  
Prayer: Father thank your for holy scriptures. We are thankful that you have provided us with a framework of instruction and admonition in your word. Father help us experience that maximum joy by being obedient to you. Thank your for all you have done in Jesus name amen.

What role does joy have in three of the most popular parables Jesus told? What's the common element in all three stories?


The Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7)

   In this passage I see that there are a number of times where
   being joyful or rejoicing is being mentioned. The first instance
   is when the shepherd finds the lost sheep. The next time that
   there is rejoicing is when the shepherd goes back to his friends
   they rejoice with him. The the passage makes the comparison to
   the rejoicing in heaven over one lost sinner who is saved.

The Lost Coin (Luke 15:8-10)

  
   In this passage we see that there is the same type of rejoicing
   that was in the previous story. There is rejoicing with
   friends when the lost coin is found. This story also compare it
   to the rejoicing in heaven when a sinner repents. So far
   the consistent theme is the joy that is in heaven when sinners
   turn to God.

The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-24)

   In this passage we find a celebrating that happen when
   that which was lost is found. We do not see the comparison
   with heaven but this appears to be the consistent theme.
   In all of the stores we have something which is lost in the
   beginning of the story. In the various stories there are
   different degrees of lostness but none the less they are
   lost.
  
   These items where were lost in the beginning on of the story
   are subsequently found or they return home in the case of
   of the prodigal son. The last consistent thread in the stories
   is the fact that they rejoice in the end. There is allays
   rejoicing in all of the stories mentioned.
  
How would you reconcile the idea that Jesus was "a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief" (Isa. 53:3, NKJV) yet at the same time was a man of joy? Pick a specific problem in your life that causes you sorrow and grief. How, despite this sorrow, can you experience for yourself the kind of joy that Jesus did?
  
   We must understand that sorrow is not the antithesis to joy but
   they are often counterparts. Sometimes the hightend degree of
   sorrow brings about and even greater degree of Joy. This joy is
   realized to a higher degree because of the pain and struggle
   in getting there.
  
   The hope that we receive from looking forward to the realizing
   of your hope keeps us joyful. This mentality helps us to press
   through the times of sorrow as Christ did.
  
Prayer: Father I thank you that you waded through all the pain for the joy of having us live with you for eternity. Please help us to make it through our times of sorrow for the greater joy that you have promised us. Thank you Jesus for bearing our sorrows and griefs. In Jesus name Amen.