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Exploring His Humanity & Joy
Life can feel overwhelmingly busy, filled with responsibilities, expectations, and the never-ending pull to achieve and serve. But have you ever considered that Jesus Himself modelled a life that included joy, rest, and even play? As Christian women, we can learn from His example to embrace rhythms that allow for both purpose and peace.
Did Jesus Have Fun?
While the Bible doesn’t explicitly describe Jesus engaging in recreational activities as we define them today, it offers glimpses into the joyful and relational aspects of His life:
Spending time with friends and family – Jesus attended weddings, meals, and gatherings, such as the wedding at Cana (John 2:1-11). These were times of celebration, connection, and shared joy.
Sharing meals – He often dined with His disciples, friends, and even those considered outsiders (Luke 7:34). These meals weren’t just about food; they were moments of fellowship and love.
Enjoying nature – Jesus withdrew to quiet places, mountains, and the seaside (Matthew 14:23). While He often used these times for prayer, they also reflect an appreciation for creation.
Telling stories – Jesus' parables were engaging and imaginative. Storytelling is a form of creativity and connection, suggesting that He enjoyed making deep truths accessible in a relatable way.
If Jesus took time to be present, enjoy relationships, and appreciate creation, shouldn't we also?
How Did Jesus Take Care of His Well-being?
Jesus exemplified balance in His ministry, showing us how to integrate rest and renewal into our lives:
Resting – Jesus withdrew to solitary places to rest and pray (Luke 5:16). Even during a storm, He slept (Mark 4:38), modelling trust in God and the importance of physical renewal.
Prayer and solitude – Jesus regularly spent time alone with God, seeking communion and guidance (Mark 1:35, Luke 6:12).
Setting boundaries – He didn’t allow the demands of the crowd to dictate His actions but withdrew when necessary to focus on His mission (Matthew 14:22-23).
Living simply – Jesus modelled a life free from material excess, trusting fully in God’s provision (Matthew 6:25-34).
Rest is not laziness; it is a sacred rhythm. Jesus shows us that tending to our emotional, spiritual, and physical needs is not selfish—it is essential.
Did Jesus Have a Sense of Humour?
Though Scripture doesn’t explicitly describe Jesus laughing, His words and interactions suggest wit, joy, and even playful banter:
Exaggeration for effect – He humorously described people trying to remove a speck from someone else’s eye while having a log in their own (Matthew 7:3-5).
Playful questions – He asked, “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” (Matthew 7:9), using an absurd contrast to illustrate God's goodness.
Challenging hypocrisy with wit – Jesus described the Pharisees as “blind guides” who strain out a gnat but swallow a camel (Matthew 23:24), a sharp but humorous critique of their legalism.
Joy and celebration – He rejoiced with others at a wedding and told parables about parties, feasts, and homecomings (Luke 15:22-24).
Joy and humour were part of Jesus’ ministry. He invites us to embrace the lightness of life, to laugh, and to celebrate.
Jesus’ Creativity, Talent, and Resourcefulness
Jesus wasn’t just a teacher; He was creative, innovative, and resourceful in every aspect of His life:
Teaching through storytelling – His parables engaged the imagination and left lasting impressions (Matthew 13:3-9).
Using symbolism – Everyday objects like a mustard seed, a fig tree, and bread and wine became profound teaching tools (Mark 4:30-32, Luke 22:19-20).
Healing in unique ways – From making mud to heal blindness (John 9:6-7) to simply speaking a word of restoration (Mark 5:25-34), Jesus adapted to each situation with wisdom and innovation.
Turning little into much – With just five loaves and two fish, He fed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21). Jesus maximised whatever was available to meet people’s needs.
The Invitation to Rest, Play, and Create
As women, we often feel pressure to keep going, to be productive, and to meet everyone’s needs. But Jesus shows us another way—one of rest, connection, and creativity.
Take time for relationships – Enjoy time with friends and family without guilt.
Spend time in nature – Go for a walk, breathe deeply, and appreciate God’s creation.
Laugh and find joy – Allow humour and light-heartedness to be part of your day.
Rest without shame – Prioritise sleep, stillness, and solitude as Jesus did.
Engage in creativity – Whether through art, music, writing, or play, express the creativity God has placed within you.
Jesus’ life wasn’t just about work—it was about love, joy, and renewal. By following His example, we can live lives that are not only meaningful but also full of peace and delight.
Let’s take His invitation seriously: “Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28, The Message).
Personal Support
Are you longing to cultivate more rest, joy, and balance in your life? I offer faith-based counselling and creative therapeutic sessions to help Christian women step into the rhythms of grace and renewal. Learn more about how we can work together.