I don’t know about you, but sometimes I can get bogged down by the daily juggle: people to love, places to be, and priorities to keep. It can feel like when one area is thriving, something else is lacking. Although our lives in 2023 are quite different from the ancient middle-eastern culture Jesus lived in, I find comfort in knowing that no matter the differences, He truly gets us.
Jesus had His people. Not only do we know details about Jesus’ earthly family, we also know He had a tight community around Him (Luke 6:13; Matt. 12:46-49). He cared for His mother at His own crucifixion (John 19:27), He modeled meeting in groups for teaching (Luke 10:38), along with having twelve disciples and three close friends whom He counted on when life was unbearably tough (Mark 14:33-34). He knew His days on earth would be short, yet He invested in the people around Him.
Jesus had places to go. Scripture gives us a peek into the social gatherings Jesus attended: dinner with friends and outcasts (Matt. 9:10; Mk.2:15), celebrations (John 2:1-2), funerals (Luke 7:11-13; John 11:17-35), family travels and sacred observances (Luke 2:40-42; Matt. 26:17). His life was busy and full, not merely serious and somber (as some may wrongly assume). In fact, we see that Jesus was not only an incredible teacher, but easy to be around, since those known throughout town by negative reputations followed Him, ate with Him, and invited Him into their lives. He was not like a “typical” Rabbi of that day (Luke 7:36-38). Jesus was present in the moment, as He went from place to place.
Jesus prioritized His purpose. Amid connecting with people and living His daily life, Jesus knew His purpose and held to His priorities. He kept His focus toward the cross above all (Luke 9:51), yet paused to help and heal people along the way (Matt. 9:18-26). He knew where His strength came from and prioritized spending time alone with His Father (Mark 1:35). He knew when to leave and when to stay in a place, when to teach and when to keep silent. He knew when He needed support and when He needed to be alone. He juggled life and purpose perfectly.
Of course, we aren’t Jesus and we won’t be able to live with perfect balance, but I find comfort in the fact that Jesus modeled a life of priority and purpose for us, while creating deep relationships and enjoying the everyday moments of life. We can lean in and learn from Him; His Word counsels us and His Father (our Father) is always available to hear our prayers and direct our paths. When I dial my calendar down to people, places, and purpose, I see how God weaves all three together: the people around me and the places I go are all to be part of His purpose for me.
Lord, may we have eyes to see Your priorities and ears to hear Your Holy Spirit guiding us. May we remember (especially when our daily calendar seems heavy) that You truly get us. You go before us and will help us prioritize. You kept Your people, places, and purpose in perfect balance, so help us to learn from You.
Meet the Author!
Heather McAnear is a wife, mom, author and speaker with a passion for sharing God's truth to help women understand their uniquely beautiful design and how to use it for God's glory! In fact, Heather hosts the Uniquely Beautiful Stories podcast on iTunes in hopes do just that! She loves teaching young married couples with her husband, time with her three teen-aged children, traveling, enjoying good chocolate and long conversations in coffee shops. CRBC has been her church home for more than two decades and serving on the Women's Ministry team has been one of her greatest joys!