Holy Humor: Joy Rooted in the Gospel
April 27, 2025
Jokester – Mark Peters
Written by Linda Cobourn
Key Verse: John 15:11—“These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
A Family Man with a Joke in His Pocket
My husband loved a good joke. Even more than the joke itself, he loved doing things he thought would make the kids and me laugh.
We had little money when our children were young, but our lack of funds only fueled his creativity. One Halloween, he dressed up as “Underwear Man,” wearing long johns with T-shirts and shorts pinned all over them. Another time, after breaking the earpiece on his glasses, he tied a piece of yarn over his ear to hold them in place.
It’s been almost six years since Ron moved to Heaven, but his hearty laughter still echoes in my ears.
Does God Have a Sense of Humor?
I think God loves a good joke, too. Just try looking at a hippopotamus without smiling!
But unlike worldly jokes rooted in sarcasm or cynicism, the joy we experience as Christians is grounded in the Resurrection—Jesus’ triumph over death (John 15:11). And God delights in our laughter.
Remember Sarah’s chuckle when she heard she’d have a child in old age? (Genesis 18:12). When that promise came true, she named her son Isaac, which means “laughter.”
The Greatest Punch Line in History
When we laugh with joy at the Resurrection, we’re joining in on God’s greatest joke—played on Satan. The enemy thought he had won. Judas betrayed Jesus. Pilate condemned Him. Jesus took His final breath on the Cross. But Satan had only set the stage for the greatest plot twist in history.
At sunrise on Easter morning, the women came to the tomb—only to find it empty. That empty tomb was the ultimate punch line. God flipped the script, turning Satan’s scheme into eternal defeat.
God Had the Last Laugh.
And we get to laugh, too.
Jesus’ Resurrection didn’t just secure our salvation—it gives us joy. Joy that frees us to laugh at the lies and foolishness of the Devil. The battle is over. The victory is won.
That doesn’t mean life is without suffering. Along with laughter, life brings tears. But “Holy Humor” reminds us that our trials are temporary. Joy is a powerful weapon against despair.
Research shows it’s even good for our health. The National Institute of Health reports that a joyful outlook can improve mental and physical well-being. The Mayo Clinic found that patients with a positive attitude often heal faster.
Ron’s Last Laugh
Ron’s final years were hard—too many surgeries, too many hospital stays. But in those last nine months on hospice, he held a quiet joy. He knew where he was going.
Just days before he passed, he told me:
“One of the first things I’m going to do when I get to Heaven is have a good laugh at the Devil.”
Joy Beyond Easter
That joy isn’t meant for Easter Sunday alone. It should fill every day of our lives. Satan is defeated! Jesus lives! His Resurrection is the greatest twist of all time—humbling the Devil and undoing his plot.
So, laugh loud. Laugh long. Laugh with victory—because Jesus has won. His joy remains in us and fills us.
Dear Father,
Thank You for laughter. Thank You for joy. Thank You for the ultimate triumph over the Devil that brings us daily j
oy. Help us reflect that joy to others and laugh with victory.
Amen.
