As they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? “But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. Matthew 11:7-8
And when He (Jesus) had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. Matthew 14:23
I have not done a count of the verses in the Gospels telling where Jesus was when He spoke or about the events of His life but there is no question that Jesus spent most of His life and teachings outdoors.
Jesus was not an indoor man. The sun and the rain, the wind and the cold were facing Him always.
I have spent most of my life outdoors also and for the last 42 years carrying a cross around the world. I have also walked through almost all the area spoken of in the Bible. I can tell you about the heat and cold and the weather. Also about the flies swarming about and the gnats. With crowds as there was often around Jesus there would have been babies crying mixed with dogs barking, rooters crowing, cows mooing, sheep baaing and birds singing and squawking. Jesus would have been competing against all these sounds in order to be heard.
I can promise you the weather was not always comfortable. There were no porta-potties set up. When you have crowds of many thousands on a hillside all day, nature calls and this is a big problem. I have walked with the cross with 70,000 people in Poland for 10 days and I can tell you it is impossible to get out of view with that many people on the road.
We have just had two outdoor park rallies here in Denver this past weekend. Oh, but it was hot. Most of the crowd huddled under trees in the shade so we used the opposite side of the stage to speak in the direction of where the crowd was sitting. Many porta-potties were set up to service the people.
I’d just like you to get into your mind that when Jesus was on the road preaching and teaching the circumstances were not always ideal. Far different from us today hearing the message of Jesus in air-conditioned churches sitting in soft seats and comfortable conditions.
Jesus the Savior and Lord was the Word that became Flesh. He was a real Man in a real world facing real problem and difficulties.
I will not point out all the scriptures but just remember one situation when the crowd was hungry and fainting. People could come and touch Him. Jesus walked from place to place and spent night after night alone with the Father in prayer’¦outdoors!
Jesus was not comfort bound He instead focused on people.
Remember what Jesus said,
“Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” Luke 9:58
In your Bible study I urge you to consider the setting of each event. Consider the time of day or the time of year. Think of all the environmental conditions that the story mentions. This will add to you knowing more about Jesus and the Bible as a whole.
The weather in that area of the Middle East is often windy, blowing with sand and dirt. One gets very dirty. The roads that the people walked was also used by animals of all kinds. The manure would mix with the dirt. No wonder it was common to wash the feet of a guest that had come to visit you.
I want to help you to open your mind to see the real Jesus. Not with some spotless white gown with neatly groomed hair and beard that you see in pictures and movies but the real Jesus living Holy and sinless in a real world of people, sounds, dirt and weather.
Oh, the love of Jesus and the price He paid for our sins. Thank you Lord.
Love Jesus, follow Him and believe in Him.
Now go share Jesus with someone today.
Pilgrim followers of Jesus,
Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1
