Monday, August 27, 2018

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"

19 comments:

  1. I can relate to a large part of your story and how you view this life in Christ. I tolerate small talk as a means of getting to the real issues in the lives of others.
    Jesus is what I look for in other people and how willing they are to share Him. I want to encourage them to boldness in this time of disastrous timidity.
    Keep up the good work of plowing for the Kingdom.

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  2. JESUS in everything sounds really good! Thank GOD for this article.

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  3. Very awesome, in this time of social isolation. I found myself asking this very question, as to what Jesus did with HIS free time. Lol!

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    1. When I wrote this, the Coronavirus isolation wasn't something I was even thinking about. Amazing how fast things can change. Hope this helped you. Thanks for commenting.

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  4. Yes! I feel the same way too! I feel that whenever I am doing something without God, it just doesn’t feel right. I recently became Christian and ever since I haven’t been the same. I used to watch YouTube and play video games all day but now it doesn’t feel the same, it doesn’t feel like it matters at all. I have one question though. I still do like to watch videos and have some fun here and there. What are your thoughts on content that includes some maybe sinful action but my ability to stay muture and feel and lack temptation makes it feel ineffective to affect me in my life? God bless!

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    1. Congratulations on your recent salvation! Welcome to the family of Christ! There is absolutely nothing at all wrong with Christians having fun. However, if part of that fun involves "sinful action" as you say, it is something we should avoid as Christians. I would also be very careful about saying that you can "stay mature and lack temptation" in your sinful action. That is just opening up a door for Satan to attack. Our ability to fight temptation comes from God, and if we are purposely opening up the door to temptation, God likely is not going to step in to protect us.

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  5. I am in love with God the Savior. He means so much to me but my parents think he sucks! I'm so sad but God has helped me through. #GodForever

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    1. Sorry to hear about your parents... I have prayed for their salvation. It is very difficult to have unsaved loved ones. But, very thankful that you have found love and help through the Lord. God bless!

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    2. Thank you for praying! When I showed them this blog and did a little more convincing, they came through in the end. May God bless you too.

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  6. Thank you for sharing this I stay alone a lot because I do not want confrontation or any trouble from people but the Lord has not let me have mini friends I know and I wonder why I guess he will when the time is right when I have achieved what he wants me to be until then I will just trust him I believe that he has my best interest at heart God bless you all

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    1. You're welcome. I have prayed for you to find some Godly friendships in your life. You might want to check out our weekly online Bible study: https://jesusalive.cc/jesusalive-bible-study/

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  7. I just found this today and thought it would be beneficial for you to hear. Zechariah 8:5 "And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in the streets." The prophet Zechariah is prophesying about Jerusalem. I'm sure Jesus knew the verse for he knew all the scriptures as he had studied them all in his youth. He had 30 years to study didn't He. Hehe. I'm sure he smiled when reading this verse. What do you think?

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  8. Amen thank you this really help me

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  9. I have this dilemma that we should always be busy furthering the kingdom of God. But lately did I learn that I was basing my intimacy with the Lord with how I was performing. It's just recently too that I got to meditate more on the verse that says "whatever you do whether you eat or drink do it for the glory of God." so I guess going out for a delicious meal in the restaurant or going camping would please the Lord especially if we get to appreciate Him more in these activities.

    Thank you for this article! God bless you more!

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  10. Seems like we have something in common I'm also a big cardinals fan but debate on what's the best way to spend free time. If it makes you feel any better I like to think sometimes that a lot of athletes on the cardinals are Christians and are using their talent to glorify God.

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