When the prodigal son returned home, the Bible says that his father was “glad” when he saw him (Luke 15:32). Imagine those emotions. After Jesus’ resurrection, He appeared to His apostles and showed them His wounds, and the Bible says that they were “glad” when they saw him. Imagine those emotions. After we have suffered for the cause of Christ and He returns in “His glory,” the Bible says that we will be “glad” when we see Him (1 Pet. 4:13). Imagine those emotions. Each of these has an overflow of rejoicing embedded in the word.
Now, imagine this same word when it is used in Mark 14. “Then Judas Iscariot…went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. And when they heard it, they were glad…” (14:10-11). Can you imagine what kind of depraved heart has an overflow of rejoicing at the prospect of betraying, torturing and crucifying God’s Son? What is it that brings gladness to my heart? “Dear God, please let me never find gladness at crucifying Your Son!” (cf. Heb. 6:4-6; 10:26-29).