Did Jesus ever take any down time?

Often in the Gospels we read of Jesus working on the Sabbath. He healed, taught and discipled others with surprising regularity on the day that the religious leaders had set up with their no-work-regulations. When you read the pace of his ministry in the Gospels (Mark uses the word “immediately” 42 times), it’s easy to think Jesus never had a moment for recuperation. It got me thinking: did Jesus ever have down time?

There are several times in the New Testament where Jesus departed to be alone. One of these appears to be habitual; another comes at a point of crisis.

When wisdom is needed seek some time alone.

And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed. And Simon and those who were with him searched for him, and they found him and said to him, “Everyone is looking for you.” And he said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns, that I may preach there also, for that is why I came out.” And he went throughout all Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and casting out demons (Mark 1:35-39).

Jesus is not oblivious to the needs in the town where he’s been ministering. But departing to a desolate place, making time for prayer, and spending time alone brings the discerning wisdom to move on in his ministry.

When a crisis arises seek some time alone.

Everything about John the Baptist’s death was wrong. It was politically motivated and gruesomely celebrated. It appears King Herod didn’t want to do what he did, but his pride wouldn’t allow him to acknowledge his foolish oath.

And the king was sorry, but because of his oaths and his guests he commanded it to be given. He sent and had John beheaded in the prison, and his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. And his disciples came and took the body and buried it, and they went and told Jesus. Now when Jesus heard this, he withdrew from there in a boat to a desolate place by himself. But when the crowds heard it, they followed him on foot from the towns. When he went ashore he saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them and healed their sick (Matthew 14:13-14).

Look carefully: when Jesus heard the news of John the Baptist’s death, he departed to a desolate place. While the place didn’t remain desolate for long, it seems to have provided him the means to see the gathering crowd with compassion and not weariness.

Yes, Jesus took time alone both with regularity and in crisis. If you’re lacking wisdom regarding a difficult decision or struggling with weariness due to a crisis, his example is one worth emulating.