Jesus desires his disciples not only to take up their crosses but to share in his joy to the full. In John 15:11, Jesus says: “These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.” His message is clear. True, lasting joy is found only in him and comes from him. This passage on joy flows from Jesus' teaching on the relationship between the branch and the vine. Just as the branch that remains united to the vine, even though trimmed, shares in the life of the vine in bearing fruit, so too we, who remain in Jesus by keeping his word, will share in his joy, the fruit of the Spirit.