This week, as we continue our Attributes of Jesus series, Cheryl Badura shares about the comforting and inspiring attribute of the "Availability" of Jesus. Cheryl is an occupational therapist, wife to Cory, mom to three teens, head of the Riverwood Clean Team, and dog mom to Bella.
Busy. We wear busyness like a badge of honor. It’s expected—even praised!—in our society. For years, I was addicted to busyness, feeling like accomplishing a to-do list or having multiple activities somehow determined my value.
But I tried to do it all in my own strength. As a result, I would find myself snapping at my family, missing opportunities to listen well or reach out to the people around me, and ultimately being too busy to stop and spend time with God. (I’m growing in this area, but have definitely not arrived!)
In reading through the Gospels, it’s clear Jesus lived life differently than I often do. For example, we see him regularly withdraw from the crowds in order to pray (e.g., Mark 1:35, Luke 5:16). He made it a priority to be available to meet with God, which fueled and sustained Him to do the work He was sent to do, “to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10).
Jesus spent His days teaching, healing, and showing people how to live a life devoted to and dependent upon God. He was frequently interrupted with the needs of others, yet He never responded with irritation. He was never too busy with His agenda to stop and care for others. Here are three examples:
1. In Luke 18, people were bringing their children to Jesus so He could place His hands on them. Yet the disciples rebuked the parents as if Jesus was too important to give His time to this. However, Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me... for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”
2. In John 4, Jesus initiated a conversation with a woman who was an outcast in her town.
3. In Luke 13, while teaching in a synagogue, Jesus saw a crippled woman, called her to Himself and immediately healed her.
These are but three of countless examples of Jesus stopping what He was doing to truly see, listen, and care for people.
Even as He prepared to ascend into heaven, Jesus promised to always be with His followers (Matthew 28:20). This promise is fulfilled through the presence of the Holy Spirit, who acts as a constant companion and guide, ensuring Jesus’ continued presence and availability.
This is good news! No matter how small we think our concerns are, Jesus hears and cares. He is available 24/7 to walk with us in our joys, sorrows, and doubts. He meets us where we are; no need to clean ourselves up first. Romans 8:34 says, “Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.”
As Jesus-followers, how are we to respond? Knowing we can’t live and love like Jesus without His power and grace, we need to remember He is always available through prayer. He is the source of our ability to have compassion for others in a way that honors God. When we make ourselves available to meet with Him, He is “able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). Availability requires a shift from a focus on self to a focus on God and the needs of others. May we prioritize Him in the middle of our busy lives, being available to let Him work in us and love others through us, just as He modeled during His life.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the incredible gift of Jesus, who is always available and eager to draw near. Help us cultivate in ourselves a constant awareness of your presence so we may live in and share the joy of your unending love and grace.
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