Jesus had higher priorities in life. It was seen in different instances.
For example, when He was hungry the disciples had gone to buy food. During that time He was having a conversation with the Samaritan woman by the well that proved life-changing and life-giving to her. The disciples came and urged Him to eat some food.
His reply was that He had food to eat that they knew nothing about. At this reply, the disciples wondered whether somebody had brought Him food. Then Jesus said: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work” (John 4:34 NIV).
Here, Jesus was teaching that those who do God’s will wholeheartedly get more satisfaction in doing God’s will than in eating or drinking or having any of the basic needs of life met. So He gave higher priority to communicate God’s forgiving love to a person than eating food.
At another time, after Jesus had fed the five thousand, the people wanted to make Him king. But the Bible records: “Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make him king by force, withdrew again to a mountain by himself” (John 6:15 NIV).
This shows us that Jesus was not ready to play the game according to the rules set by the world. Here, according to worldly standards was a prophet who was doing fantastic miracles. So he should naturally be made their leader and king.
But Jesus went against that kind of worldly wisdom. So He gave higher priority to God’s plan than the plans that people had in mind.
One problem that a Christian faces in this context is the clash of priorities in life. His godly thinking would point in one direction while the world is moving in another direction. The conflict comes because they are moving in opposing directions.
Paul addresses this issue. He asks not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world but renew your mind. When you reject worldly thinking and renew your mind according to God’s Word, Paul says:
Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:2b NIV)
James points out the same truth about worldly thinking and says: “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” (James 4:4b,5 NIV).
Therefore, it is very clear from the life of Jesus and the writings of Paul and James that to do God’s will you need to be a non-conformist with the world. That means to have higher priorities in life. Then you can do God’s will best.
Summary: Doing God’s will involves having a higher set of priorities in life.
Table of Contents
Lessons of God’s Will from the Life of Jesus
1. Choices Jesus Made
2. Peace Jesus Enjoyed
3. Jesus Pleased God
4. Jesus was Purpose-Driven
5. Jesus’ Sense of Timing
6. Higher Priorities Jesus Had
7. Christ’s Perseverance