11. How Did Jesus Know Where to Go?

There is a surprising lack of a response to this question when you look at the life of Jesus. He never taught specifically on discernment. And we don’t really have much evidence of how he discerned where to go and what to do throughout his life. Or do we?

Here is what we do know about Jesus. He was in close friendship and intimacy with God the Father, and he regularly retreated to be alone with him. These quiet moments undoubtedly empowered and directed Jesus’ ministry. 

We also know that Jesus had a very clear understanding of his purpose on earth. A deep conviction and understanding of who he was and what he came to do guided his every step. He knew he came to proclaim the kingdom of God, to seek and to save the lost, and to die as a ransom for sinful mankind. So wherever he went and in whatever he did (which was actually quite normal - visiting friends, attending weddings, funerals, and feasts; walking from place to place, harvesting, going to the synagogue), he accomplished those purposes. 

Jesus never seemed to ponder too hard his decisions about where to go and what to do. Because he knew his purpose. And that’s what he did wherever he went.

Again, direction is less about the where and what and when and more about the who and how. What is more important than discerning where to go and what to do is discerning your purpose. And then knowing your purpose drives the other decisions. The other decisions become easier when you know your purpose. 

Our purpose is fully revealed in the Word of God and remarkably similar to Jesus’. The will of God is to believe in the one he has sent, to love God and our neighbor, and to make disciples. 

How did Jesus make decisions? I bet he didn’t overthink them as much as I do. He spent time with God. He was led by the Holy Spirit. He knew his purpose. And he accomplished that purpose wherever he went. The routine and normal daily activities became miraculous, life-giving, and life-changing because he walked with God and lived according to extraordinary purpose.