Wayne's House 偉恩的家

Do you like being around people or do you prefer the quiet evening by yourself? Someone might say, “I love being around people. I'm an extrovert.” That means they're outgoing, talkative and social. On the other hand, a person may be an introvert. Shy and not verbose they are mainly concerned with their own thoughts and feelings. Usually they don't like being around a lot of people. Was Jesus an introvert or an extrovert? That's an interesting question.

Reading through the Gospel of Mark again I noticed how often crowds gathered around Jesus, some large (6-7 thousand), and some small (30-40). Often when crowds gathered Jesus was moved with compassion. Does that mean he loves being around people? I also noticed how often he “withdrew” with his disciples to get away from the crowds. On several occasions Jesus simply wanted to be alone. He often sought solitude with his heavenly Father.

Does that mean he is an introvert? Did he merely tolerate the crowds and live for the quiet times alone, with his disciples or his Father? What about loneliness. Was Jesus every lonely? That is a major problem. A study by the American Council of Life Insurance reported that the most lonely group in America are college students. Surprising? Jesus made a practice of finding solitude and he also experienced deep loneliness. What's the difference?

Thinking it over . . .
How do crowds affect you? Or, how does being around groups of people affect you? Is it a sin to be lonely? Is it a sin to be shy? Why or why not?

Have you been disconnected from God? What was that like? Did you feel lonely?

How did Jesus maintain his connection with his Father in heaven? How did times of solitude help to keep

them connected?

Do you need time to be alone? How do you make time for solitude in you life?

How can you find time to be alone with God in your live? Discuss things you do or need to do.