Jesus: His Source

When reading the Gospels, the various authors describe Jesus interacting with large crowds, healing people, and ministering for considerable length of time. He also gets tired from long walks in the heat. Consider that Jesus is fully human and divine, so He would get tired, hot, hungry, etc. Recently, my posts have been about how we can bear fruit of Holy Spirit in our lives through our relationship with God. Let’s consider Jesus’ example and ministry for this post. All scripture passages are quoted from Berean Standard Bible accessed through Biblehub.com.

Examples of Jesus Being Tired

John 4:6

6Since Jacob’s well was there, Jesus, weary from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.

Jesus is weary when He meets the Samaritan woman at the well. Yet, He still engages with her! He actively listens and responds with grace and truth! The Living Waters flow through Him. An outcast becomes an evangelist to her town! Jesus seizes opportunities to love and transform others with His grace and presence.

Jesus Sleeps In the Boat During the Storm

Matthew 8:23-26

23When He got into the boat, His disciples followed Him. 24Suddenly a violent storm came up on the sea, so that the boat was engulfed by the waves; but Jesus was sleeping. 25The disciples went and woke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”

26“You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm.

Even though Jesus was tired after a long day of ministry, He still has the ability to command nature in this case the storm to calm down. This is obviously a sign of His Divine nature. Consider that Jesus is present and active in creation. For scripture references and explanation:

https://www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-the-Creator.html

Jesus is apparently a “sound” sleeper in this incident. He is able to rest even when the boat is wet and tossing about. The Disciples’ alarm is warranted. Recall that several were experienced fishermen who would known when the boat and passengers were in jeopardy. Jesus uses this storm to reveal more about Himself to His anxious disciples.

Jesus Refreshed Himself in Prayer

Luke 5:15-16

15But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.

Luke 6:12

12In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God.

Luke 22:39-43

39Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and the disciples followed Him. 40When He came to the place, He told them, “Pray that you will not enter into temptation.”

41And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed, 42“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.”

43Then an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

Jesus refreshes Himself with His Father’s presence. In various passages, we observe that Jesus honors His Father’s timing and purpose. For specific verses, check out these posts

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Jesus-Christ,-Relation-To-Father

https://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Interaction-Of-Father-And-Son

Jesus sets an example for us. He would withdraw from the disciples and the crowds to fellowship with God His Father. It’s through Jesus’ relationship with His Father that God the Father is glorified through Jesus’ ministry. Who refreshes you? How do you rest in God?

The Gospel authors mention these times of prayer and dependence for a purpose. They write about specific events, occurrences, and habits of Jesus to instruct us. How often do you get alone with God? Why is this “alone” time with Heavenly Father precious to you?

Jesus Gives to Others of Himself Abundantly

How did Jesus not get burned out or emotionally exhausted? Why didn’t He become discouraged or jaded? He remained close to His Heavenly Father and Holy Spirit who refreshed and flowed through Him. Jesus gives to others from the overflow of God’s goodness, grace, and kindness. Yet, Jesus doesn’t overlook the sinful nature of people and guided people to repentance and redemption.

Jesus understands the darkness of the human heart-hypocrisy, fear, jealousy, and desire to control and manipulate others. Yet, He remains focused on His Heavenly Father and faithfully completes His Mission of Redemption and Renew of all things. Jesus gave without expectation of any personal return. He healed the sick and lame because He genuinely desired to restore others and glorify His Father. His life and ministry was about giving and serving not taking or using others!

Jesus is our our example. He gives us grace so that we can proclaim His Good News through our lives. To be a Christian is to be like Christ! A real Christian loves and serves as Christ empowers! Let’s draw near to our Fount of Blessing! Take a moment to reflect on these lyrics:

Come Thou fount of every blessing
Tune my heart to sing Thy grace
Streams of mercy never ceasing
Call for songs of loudest praise

Jesus sought me when a stranger
Wandering from the fold of God
He to rescue me from danger
Interposed His precious blood

May God tune our hearts to sing of His Marvelous grace, mercy, and rescue from sin!