I am an introvert. How do I know? Because, an introvert is typically defined as “someone who renews their energy by being alone and is drained by interacting with groups of people.” That would be me. I love people, but sometimes they make me tired. Sometimes I just need to sit quietly on the couch – by myself – no tv, no radio, no computer – just me and my thoughts. This is something that my husband – the king of the extroverts – still doesn’t completely understand even after almost 14 years of marriage.
This morning, as my mind is turned towards the events that occurred on Good Friday over 2000 years ago, I am struck by the fact that Jesus was also an introvert. It may not appear that way at first glance since he had 12 guys whom He hand-picked to spend practically every waking hour with Him as He mentored them in the ways of the Kingdom. It may not appear that way when you observe that much of the time He was surrounded by mobs of people eager to hear His words and desperate for His healing touch. But, in spite of all that, we regularly read accounts like these:
"When Jesus heard what had happened, He withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed Him on foot from the towns." -- Matthew 14:13
"Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where He prayed." -- Mark 1:35
"At daybreak, Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for Him and when they came to where He was, they tried to keep Him from leaving them." -- Luke 4:42
It was critical for Jesus to find time away from the crowds – time to renew and recharge and spend time with His Heavenly Father. I can only imagine how lonely Jesus must have been in spite of the crowds that followed Him everywhere He went and how precious – how important - that quiet time with His Father must have been.
Jesus left His home – His perfect, beautiful, amazing home in heaven – to live here in this harsh and unforgiving world. He was a stranger – a foreigner – among people who never really understood Him. Even His disciples – the ones closest to Him – didn’t fully understand His mission. And, when it came right down to it, they couldn’t even stay awake long enough to pray with Him for an hour as He prepared to face the horrific events that would culminate in His death on a cross.
Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
If you’re feeling lost and alone – like no one really understands – Jesus knows how you feel. He felt that way, too. And, He’s inviting you to come away and be quiet and spend time with Him. In His presence, there is healing; there is comfort; there is rest; there is forgiveness. That’s what makes this a Good Friday. As Jesus sacrificed His life on the cross, He purchased our salvation, our freedom, and our healing. He laid down His life willingly because of His overwhelming love for you and me.
“Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.” -- Isaiah 53:4-5
Don’t let this Good Friday go by without stealing away to spend some time loving on the One who gave up everything because of His love for you.
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