The Habitual Rest of Jesus
A Lesson for Modern Living
The Habitual Rest of Jesus
A Lesson for Modern Living
Rest is an essential, yet often overlooked, component of a well-balanced life. Its importance cannot be overstated, especially when we examine the life of Jesus Christ, who regularly retreated for periods of solitude and prayer. One passage tha captures this practice is Luke 22:39: "And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the Mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him."
The Custom of Retreat
The phrase "as he was wont" reveals that Jesus had a custom of going to the Mount of Olives. While the verse doesn't explicitly say why He went there, we can infer that these habitual retreats were an opportunity for rest and spiritual rejuvenation. Such an inference is supported by other passages, like Luke 5:16, where we read, "And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed."
Proactive Rest Is Not Idleness
Jesus' moments of retreat were not periods of idleness; rather, they were times filled with significant activities like prayer, contemplation, and perhaps even strategic planning for His ministry. He recognized that rest isn't merely about doing nothing—it's about doing what rejuvenates us. Jesus exemplified proactive rest. The Old Testament also offers wisdom on this topic. Genesis 2:2-3 tells us that God rested on the seventh day, making it holy and setting a precedent for the importance of rest in human life. Thus setting president that there is a time to work and a time to be done with the work.
Rest Doesn't Need To Be Earned
Nowhere in the Gospel accounts does Jesus imply that rest is a reward for work well done or a privilege to be earned. Instead, rest is presented as a natural, necessary part of human life. Matthew 11:28 invites all who are weary to come to Him for rest, making no qualifications about who is worthy to receive it.
Purposeful Rest Is Not Wasteful
Rest is not a waste of time. Jesus' periods of retreat were opportunities for prayer and communion with God. These were moments when significant spiritual decisions were made and where physical and spiritual strength was renewed. Psalm 23 supports the notion of purposeful rest, stating, "He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters."
Rest Is Necessary
In our busy modern world, the necessity of rest is often overlooked or dismissed. Yet, even Jesus—whose time on Earth was limited and filled with purpose—made it a habit to rest. This speaks volumes about the universal necessity of taking time out for rejuvenation. Isaiah 40:30-31 emphasizes the essential nature of rest, stating that even youths grow tired, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.
Conclusion
As we grapple with the demands of life, let us remember that Jesus Christ set a precedent for rest. It was His custom to retreat and replenish, and His example serves as a timeless reminder that rest is neither idle, earned, wasteful, nor optional—it is necessary.
By adopting a similar custom of habitual rest, one that is proactive, unearned, purposeful, and deemed necessary, we align ourselves with a balanced life as exemplified by Jesus. Whether it's a moment of prayer, a short walk, or even a day set aside for reflection, let's follow His example and make rest an integral part of our lives.