The disciples have returned from their mission, and they are thrilled with the results they have seen. How could they not be? I would be. We all have results in mind that would give us this kind of joy. As a preacher, you imagine preaching before thousands of people and seeing your words impact multitudes. As a parent, you imagine your children growing in faithfulness and becoming good people. What are your roles in life, and how do you define success?
Jesus affirms that these are good things, but he reminds them of the greatest thing -- to have one's name written in heaven. This is the true joy, and it comes as a gift -- this is what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. This is what Holy Week is about, what the cross is focused upon. God has come for this -- not that we might achieve results, for God could do that on his own if that was the only goal. Jesus has come so that we might have life and have it eternally.
