Joy is one of the defining marks of a life transformed by Christ. While happiness often depends on changing circumstances, true joy is rooted in the unchanging character and promises of God. The Gospel of Matthew beautifully captures this theme, revealing moments of profound joy in the lives of those who encountered Jesus. From the rejoicing of the wise men at his birth to the overwhelming joy of the women at the empty tomb, Matthew’s account highlights how the presence and work of Christ ignites deep, lasting joy in the hearts of believers.
In this collection, we will explore ten joyful verses from the Gospel of Matthew, each offering a glimpse into how joy shapes our worship, our service, and our daily walk with God. These passages remind us that no matter our circumstances, the joy of the Lord is available to us — a joy that comes from seeking him, trusting his promises, and embracing his invitation to abundant, eternal life.
As you read through these verses and reflections, consider how joy has marked your own spiritual journey. May these words stir your heart to pursue the joy that comes not from the world, but from knowing Jesus Christ.
Joy in Following the Star
When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.
Matthew 2:10 (ESV)
The wise men’s journey to find the newborn King was long and difficult, yet their joy was overwhelming when they saw the star that led them to Jesus. Their joy symbolizes the deep satisfaction that comes when we encounter Christ after seeking him. This moment shows that the journey of faith, though sometimes hard, is worth the joy of finding the Savior.
Reflection question: In what areas of life are we seeking Christ, and how does the joy of finding him compare to other pursuits?
Practical Application: Reflect on your spiritual journey and identify areas where you can deepen your pursuit of Christ.
Joy in the Blessing of Mercy
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
Matthew 5:7 (ESV)
In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes the merciful as blessed — a word connected to joy and favor. Extending mercy brings a distinct joy as it reflects God’s own heart and opens us to his ongoing grace. Showing compassion not only uplifts others but renews our own spirits.
Reflection question: How might showing mercy to others invite deeper joy into our lives?
Practical Application: Intentionally offer mercy this week — whether through forgiveness, patience, or generosity — and notice how it affects both you and the recipient.
Joy in Peacemaking
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Matthew 5:9 (ESV)
Another Beatitude reveals the joy of those who foster peace. Peacemakers experience a unique blessing, being recognized as children of God. Joy is found in creating harmony in relationships, families, and communities, mirroring the peace Christ brings.
Reflection question: How can you bring peace to a situation or relationship that lacks it?
Practical Application: Reach out to someone with whom you have had tension, offering a word of reconciliation or encouragement.
Joy in Belonging to Christ
Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
Matthew 5:12 (ESV)
Even in hardship, Jesus calls his followers to rejoice because of their eternal reward. Joy isn’t reserved for easy days but is found in belonging to Christ and sharing in his mission. This lasting joy strengthens us through trials, knowing we’re part of a greater story.
Reflection question: How can we choose joy in difficult circumstances, trusting in God’s promises?
Practical Application: Write down one challenge you are facing and ask God to help you see his joy even in the midst of it.
Joy in Answered Prayer
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8 (ESV)
Jesus encourages persistent, hopeful prayer, assuring us that God responds to those who seek him. There’s a distinct joy in recognizing that God hears and answers, sometimes in unexpected ways, but always for our good. The act of seeking draws us closer, and the answers nurture gratitude.
Reflection question: When have you experienced joy through answered prayer, and how did it impact your faith?
Practical Application: Keep a prayer journal this week, recording both your requests and how God responds.
Joy in Receiving Rest for the Soul
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)
Jesus’ invitation to the weary offers not only rest but joy through relief and peace. In a world filled with striving, the promise of soul-deep rest is a source of lasting joy. Knowing we can lay our burdens at his feet transforms heaviness into hope.
Reflection question: What burdens are you carrying that Jesus invites you to surrender for rest and joy?
Practical Application: Set aside time for quiet rest in God’s presence, releasing your worries and thanking him for his sustaining joy.
Joy in the Treasure of the Kingdom
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy, he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.
Matthew 13:44 (ESV)
This parable illustrates the immense value of the kingdom of heaven. The man’s joy in finding the hidden treasure leads him to sacrifice everything for it. This speaks to the surpassing joy we find when we truly understand the worth of God’s kingdom, prompting us to give up lesser things in exchange for its riches.
Reflection question: What in our lives might we need to “sell” or give up to fully embrace the joy of God’s kingdom?
Practical Application: Take time to evaluate your priorities and identify anything that might be hindering your pursuit of God’s kingdom.
Joy in Triumphal Praise
And the crowds that went before him and that followed him were shouting, Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!
Matthew 21:9 (ESV)
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, the crowds celebrated with great joy, shouting praises to him as the promised Messiah. This moment, known as the triumphal entry, reflects the joy of recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior. Their joy-filled praise is a model for how we can worship Jesus as our King.
Reflection question: In what ways can we make our worship more joy-filled, acknowledging Jesus as King in our lives?
Practical Application: Explore new forms of worship that express your joy in Christ, whether through music, art, or communal gatherings.
Joy in Eternal Rewards
His master said to him, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”
Matthew 25:21 (ESV)
In this parable, the faithful servant is welcomed into the joy of his master as a reward for his diligence. This verse highlights the joy that awaits those who serve faithfully. It reminds us that our labor in the Lord is not in vain and that we can anticipate joy in God’s eternal presence.
Reflection question: How does the hope of eternal reward shape our attitude toward serving God today?
Practical Application: Reflect on ways to serve others with joy, keeping in mind the eternal impact of your actions.
Joy in Resurrection Hope
So they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew 28:8 (ESV)
After discovering that Jesus had risen from the dead, the women left the tomb filled with both fear and great joy. The resurrection of Jesus brings the greatest joy of all, as it represents victory over death and the hope of eternal life. Their reaction reminds us that joy is the appropriate response to the resurrection, the cornerstone of our faith.
Reflection question: How can the joy of the resurrection shape the way we live each day?
Practical Application: Set aside time each day to reflect on the implications of the resurrection for your life, expressing gratitude and joy in prayer.
Reflective Prayer
Use these verses to pray using the ACTS method: Adoration, Confession, Thankfulness, Supplication
- Adoration: Praise God. Do these verses bring any specific characteristics of God to mind?
- Confession: Tell God that you are sorry for specific sins. Do these verses bring any specific sins to mind?
- Thankfulness: Show gratitude towards God. Does anything from these verses inspire gratitude?
- Supplication: Make requests for yourself and for others. Does anything from these verses inspire a prayer?
If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.
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English Standard Version (ESV): Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. The ESV text may not be quoted in any publication made available to the public by a Creative Commons license. The ESV may not be translated in whole or in part into any other language.
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