We don’t read of Jesus using a day planner for Himself or a master calendar for His disciples. We don’t read of Him sitting with a committee to plan out the next year’s calendar of events. And, of course, we don’t read of Him using a cell phone or other electronic device to remind Him when it was time to move on to the next ministry endeavor, counseling session, or teaching opportunity. Yet, as we look at Jesus’ life we do find evidence of Him purposefully using His time.
Let’s learn from Jesus’ life so we too intentionally and wisely use our time. Christ-like schedules are purposeful!
How Jesus Was Purposeful in His Schedule
Jesus knew the big purpose for which He came and purposefully aligned with it.
I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent. (Lk. 4:43)
Jesus didn’t give in to the whims of people but purposefully moved on when He knew it was time.
… They tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” (Lk. 4:42-43)
and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else – to the nearby villages – so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” (Mk. 1:37-38)
Jesus purposefully set apart time for solitude to decompress but most importantly to spend time with the Father.
John beheaded in the prison … John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it. Then they went and told Jesus. When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. (Matt. 14:9-13)
After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. (Matt. 14:23)
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. (Mk. 1:35)
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law were furious and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. (Lk. 6:11-12)
But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. (Lk. 15:16)
You’ll find the content in this post in the Steering the Church Toward Christ-like Character Leadership Guide which then asks church leaders some questions about how Christ-like their schedules are.
For More on These Topics:
All Posts about Time Management:
- Disciple-Making Schedules
- Sustainable Schedules
- Prioritized Schedules: The Number One Priority
- Prioritized Schedules: The Second Priority
- Accountable Schedules
- Spiritually Blessed Schedules
- Spiritually Productive Schedules
- Hindrances to Spiritual Productivity
- Time for One Another
- Christ-like Schedules are Purposeful
- Time Managed by the Gospel
- Tips for Gospel-oriented Time Management
- Grace for These Times and How You Manage Your Schedule
- The Difference Grace Makes in How We Manage Time
- The Spirit Helps Us Manage Time
- How Spiritual Gifts Help with Time Management
- Busyness Affects Ministry
- Combatting the Lies about Busyness
- Too Busy to Pray?
- Biblical Prayers about Time Usage
- Good Stewards of Our Time
- Managing Time in the Name of the Lord
- Let God’s Word Guide the Use of Your Time