“Then Were the Disciples Glad When They Saw the Lord”
(John 20:20; Based on Chapter 2 of Vance Havner’s The Secret of Christian Joy)
Key Text:
John 20:20 – “Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
Thesis:
True Christian joy is not rooted in self, others, favorable circumstances, or abstract doctrine—it is rooted in a personal, present encounter with the risen Christ. Joy begins then—when we see Him.
Introduction:
Vance Havner reminds us that the early church was marked by joy. They ate their meat with gladness and singleness of heart. Paul, who suffered greatly, still exhorted the church to rejoice—“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” (Phil. 4:4). Emotional response was not illegal in the early church! Even children cried “Hosanna” around the Savior, to the Pharisees’ disapproval.
Havner says, we need more hilarious, child-hearted Christians—not those who measure piety by the length of their face. Joy returns when we truly see Jesus. The key is in two words: “Then” and “When.”
Outline:
1. Not When They Saw Themselves
“Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
It does not say, “when they saw themselves.”
• Seeing Jesus often humbles us before it gladdens us.
• Job saw the Lord and abhorred himself (Job 42:5–6).
• Isaiah cried, “Woe is me! for I am undone” (Isa. 6:5).
• Daniel’s comeliness was turned to corruption (Dan. 10:8).
• Saul of Tarsus fell to the ground (Acts 9:4).
• John fell at His feet as dead (Rev. 1:17).
We do not find joy in gazing inward. Self-examination has its place, but we are not called to fix our eyes on ourselves—we are called to look unto Jesus.
2. Not When They Saw One Another
“Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
It does not say, “when they saw one another.”
• Looking at other Christians can lead to comparison, disappointment, or judgment.
• Peter questioned what would happen to John. Jesus said, “What is that to thee? follow thou me.” (John 21:22).
• 1 John 5:16 reminds us that seeing a brother sin should move us to prayer, not criticism.
If our focus is on watching others, we will miss the Lord. The joy of Christian community must flow from a shared vision of Jesus—not horizontal comparisons.
3. Not When They Considered Their Circumstances
The disciples were hiding “for fear of the Jews” (John 20:19).
Their situation had not improved—and yet, when they saw the Lord, they were glad.
• Circumstances are often troubling, but joy isn’t tied to them.
• Habakkuk was perplexed by injustice, but declared:
“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Hab. 3:18)
• The Psalmist lamented his condition but ended in praise (Psalm 41:13).
• Micah said, “I will look unto the Lord… my God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7)
God does not always explain our circumstances, but He reveals Himself. That is enough.
4. Not When They Rehearsed Doctrine Alone
“Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.”
Not when they remembered a particular teaching about Him.
• It is possible to know much about Jesus and still not see Him.
• Many today chase tangents—prophecy, eschatology, healing, etc.—but miss the Person behind it all.
• Doctrine is essential, but it must lead to devotion.
5. Not When They Focused Only on the Spirit’s Work
Havner warns: Some speak only of the Spirit but forget that “He shall testify of me” (John 15:26).
• The Holy Spirit glorifies Jesus.
• Any movement that emphasizes the Spirit to the exclusion of Christ is out of balance.
6. Not When They Chased “Abundant Life” as a Thing
The “victorious life” is simply Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).
• Joy is not found in a formula but in fellowship.
• Jesus Himself is the abundant life. “I am come that they might have life…” (John 10:10)
Conclusion:
Joy is found not when we see ourselves, or others, or our circumstances, or a doctrine—but when we see the Lord. Then, and only then, were the disciples glad.
Ask yourself today:
• Have I been looking too long at myself?
• Am I discouraged by others?
• Have I been waiting for my situation to improve before I rejoice?
• Have I substituted theology for intimacy?
• Have I chased spiritual experience more than the Savior Himself?
Then were the disciples glad—when they saw the Lord.
Invitation:
Fix your eyes again on Jesus. Come to the altar not to fix your life—but to see Him. And when you do, your joy will be restored.
