Instances of Joy in the New Testament

The Magi

Matthew 2:10  

When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.

Shepherds

Luke 2:20  

The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen which were just as they had been told.

The seventy

Luke 10:17  

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.”

Father and servants

Luke 15:24  

For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Angels at repentance

Luke 15:10 

In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Zacchaeus

Luke 19:6  

So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.

At triumphant entry

Matthew 21:9  

The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest!”

At the resurrection

Matthew 28:8  

So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.

At His appearance

Luke 24:41  

And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?”

At His ascension

Luke 24:52  

Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.