Between now and Easter, I’m going to be reflecting on some of the unique qualities of Christ’s life here on earth–challenging myself to consider my own faith more seriously and the commitment I’ve made to be a follower of Jesus.
Today, I’m thinking about the loneliness of Christ. When I think of Jesus, most of the pictures that pop up in my head are those of Him surrounded by crowds-hugging little children, teaching masses on a hillside, feeding thousands in the grass. And while these images are pictures of events that really did happen, a closer read of the gospels reveals that these crowded moments were the exception and not the rule for most of Jesus’ days on earth.
Though the crowds and the disciples rarely gave Jesus time to Himself, He was certainly still alone in many ways.
- His closest friends, his disciples, often revealed how little they understood about Him, how selfish they were in their pursuits, and then finally their unwillingness to follow Him all the way to the cross. In Scripture, we only see John at the foot of the cross.
- His mother and brothers tried to call Him away from His ministry and seemed to misunderstand Him as well. Though Mary is there with Him in the end, He clearly had times when He had to redefine who his ‘true family’ was.
- During the time of His ministry, though He was sometimes abandoned and misunderstood by friends and family, He still had communion with God, His Father. But, on the cross, even that relationship was broken. As He hung there suffering, He called out to His Father, but in loneliness gave up His spirit.
The Narrow Road
Growing up in a culture where lots of people attend ‘church,’ I can sometimes fool myself into believing that the road following Christ should be one full of friends and companionship. But, Jesus instructed me differently. He said, ‘Narrow is the way and FEW will find it.’
Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:13-14
Jesus knew this all too well. He was the first to walk this narrow road and He had few companions. His way is not the busy interstate, it is the difficult and steep road to be traveled by foot.
Not Lonely Forever
Though Jesus suffered loneliness and lack of companionship here on Earth, He is no longer and will never again be lonely. Now exalted to the highest place, Jesus enjoys the never ending company and blessing of His Father and the partnership of the Holy Spirit. He is surrounded with beings that praise Him without ceasing for His unfathomable sacrifice of loneliness on earth.
And, for eternity, He will be surrounded by His disciples, those He taught then and those He’s taught through His Spirit since His death and resurrection. Though these disciples have previously all fallen short of following Christ as friend and understanding His way, they will forever be called His friends and siblings…surrounding Him with songs of praise for the loneliness He endured on their behalf.
My Own Loneliness
Some days, I burn with loneliness…longing for friendship, understanding, and encouragement. A few days back, I was struggling through the day and felt myself longing for company. It occurred to me that Jesus was there for me, waiting for me to ‘give Him a call.’ He has always been the friend I’m longing for and can be such to me because He gave up all friendship and companionship on the cross.
This road following Christ is sure to have its lonely moments. But,those of us who endure these lonely days by calling on Christ as our true brother and friend, will one day join a never ending community of love and friendship.
Jesus, this day I thank you for becoming lonely so that I can ALWAYS find friendship in you. May your friendship be sweeter to me than any I could find on this earth.
What aspects of Jesus’ loneliness strike you most? How does this aspect of His life on earth bring you comfort? What part of His eternal community of friends are you most excited about?
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love this! As a wife and mom, it gets so frustrating when you feel misunderstood. And often times in those moments of failure, the enemy whispers in my ear, “you werent made for this, look you’re not even good at it…” I really lose the battle when I find myself comparing myself to other moms, and then I feel all alone in my struggle. I never realized that all of those challenges are things that Jesus Himself went through, and He perservered so that right now, He can provide for me the support I need to get through the day. Sometimes I tend to want a crowd cheering me on thru life, and I forget that He didnt make us to receive praise, but to give praise to Him alone. Jesus is enough, He is my advocate and friend, and in Him I have all I need. Keep on writing… I love your blog, it encourages me and challenges me.. thank you!