What Did Jesus Do In His Free Time?

     I have often thought about this question, especially lately: "What Did Jesus Do In His Free Time?" Did He do things for "fun?" The Bible never really discusses this. I know He went to a wedding feast at least once (Jn 2:1-10), and He shared meals with people on quite a few occasions (i.e. Lk 5:27-32, Lk 7:36, Lk 19:1-9). What else could He have done? I really don't know the history of what people did for leisure in those times, but I suppose they could go for a hike, go to a lake and fish or swim, go for a horseback ride, do some gardening or wood carving, play a musical instrument, go to a play, or perhaps read a book (although I don't think there were many in those days).

     Then, I think about what we can do with our "free time," or for "fun" today. The list of things to do is almost endless. We can watch t.v., listen to music or the radio, get on the internet, go to a movie, play board games or video games, go to a ballgame, go for a car ride, read a book, go to a coffee shop, restaurant, or the mall, and SO much more.

     Did Jesus do the things that were available for recreation in His time. Would He do the things we can do for recreation if He was on Earth in our time? What is said, and is true, is that the Bible only records the things about Jesus and His life that we need to know about. Since the Bible doesn't talk about Jesus' childhood (other than one brief moment in Lk 2:41-50), His appearance (we do know a little which I speak of here), or even all of His miraculous signs (Jn 20:30-31), this means it isn't important. This includes what He did in His free time.

     So, why am I am thinking about this you might ask? Because, as I continue to grow in my walk with Jesus, I find that I am caring less and less about doing anything that isn't in some way directly connected to spending time with Jesus, or furthering His Kingdom. While many people go to a place to work each day, my days are generally spent in front of a computer screen, writing Bible Studies and answering Bible questions for my website. Many people think I am crazy when I tell them that, but I have felt strongly for many years that God has called me to that, and He has certainly blessed it, and provided.

     However, there comes a time each day when my brain can no longer focus. I cannot write any more. I must stop. It is my "free time." I can do anything at that point. You would think that I would want to get away from the Bible and ministering at that point, right? I should have some "fun." But, instead, the opposite is true. I want to find another way to spend time with God. Honestly, that is my "fun."

     Is there something wrong with me? Why is it that even when I do go to a ballgame or a restaurant with friends, all I want to do is talk about Jesus and the Bible? I want to hear about their life with Jesus, what He has done in their life, what they have learned about Him, their testimony. I want to go deep. (I know part of this has to do with being an introvert too, I HATE small talk!)

***Note: After I finished writing this blog, I was looking at some times that Jesus ate with others in the Bible, and it appears that He was all about ministry during meals. This is interesting, and makes me happy. Hopefully, it is also going to lead to a new study soon.

     This is why I want to know what Jesus did. The primary goal for all Christians in life is to become more and more like Jesus (Eph 4:13,15)(Phil 3:12-14)(2 Cor 3:17-18)(Rom 8:29). Is this what is happening? Is this part of what it means?

     Now, don't get me wrong. This does not mean that every moment of my life is all about God. I still enjoy watching my St. Louis Cardinals on t.v. when they are on (although usually with the sound muted or low so I can do something else). I play Words With Friends and Candy Crush sometimes. I have been to a few movies in recent times. But, my desire to do these things is becoming less and less. If it is between recreation, and doing something for the Lord, God's work is where I want to go (unless it is the playoffs, then I might have a dilemma, but God is still working on me.)

     All I know for sure is this; I am happy, I am at peace, I am content, and I am beyond thankful to be able to spend my days doing what I do. If God is displeased with where I am, I pray that He will reveal that to me. If people or friends are displeased, that makes me sad, but this is who I am. I cannot hide it. I do not want to hide it. I beg God that this passion never dies, but only grows. I pray for friends that share this passion. And, for those in my life who have it, I am SO grateful for you!

P.S. I love these lyrics from the song "Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus:"
"Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full, in His wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace"