In today’s busy world, people are told that they always need to be doing something. Taking time off to rest, rejuvenate, or even nap is frowned upon and would be looked at as being lazy. However, when the teachings in the Bible are observed, taking time to rest is encouraged and a command for believers. Since the Bible is all about Jesus Christ, what many readers would like to know in this regard is, did Jesus take naps?
The gospel of Luke implies that Jesus took a nap on the boat while He and His disciples were traveling across lake Galilee to the town of Gerasenes. A fierce storm violently shook the boat as they traveled, and the disciples feared for their lives. Jesus was peacefully asleep and only woke up when His disciples alerted Him.
Where in the Bible does it say that Jesus took a nap? Why did Jesus take a nap during the storm? And what does the Bible say about taking naps? These are just a handful of the questions people may have regarding this topic, and this article will answer them. If you are still interested, keep reading.
Where in the Bible does it say Jesus took a nap?
The incident whereby Jesus took a nap is recorded in the gospel of Luke, chapter eight, verses twenty-two to twenty-three.
One day Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” So, they got into a boat and set out. As they sailed, he fell asleep. A squall came down on the lake so that the boat was swamped, and they were in great danger. Luke 8:22-23
Jesus and His disciples were heading to the town of Gerasenes, which was across lake Galilee; therefore, they needed a boat to get there.
As they were traveling, a storm occurred on the lake, and the boat was violently shaken. During this time, Jesus was peacefully asleep, but His disciples were terrified, fearing for their lives, and woke Him up in a panic.
Jesus woke up, rebuked them for their lack of faith, and calmed the storm until it was peaceful again.
The disciples were left marveling at Jesus’ display of power. They were amazed that even the winds and waves obeyed Him.
Why did Jesus nap during the storm?
Jesus sleeping during the storm can be explained through several reasons, which are listed below;
1. He napped because He was tired
Jesus is entirely God but came in the form of man. When He came to earth, He took on all the aspects of humanity, including the ability to get tired. Jesus napped on the boat because He was probably tired after doing His ministry work of preaching, teaching, and healing. The journey on the boat was probably a great and rare opportunity for Him to rest. Therefore He took it.
By demonstrating His humanity in this way, you can trust Him because He understands that the human body gets tired and needs rest to function properly. Therefore, you can rest, too, because Jesus rested as well.
2. He wanted to demonstrate the kind of faith we should have in God
This incident on the boat is entirely figurative if you ponder deeply about it. As the storm raged and the boat was violently shaken, Jesus remained asleep because He had faith that He and His disciples would be safe.
This is a demonstration of the kind of faith you should have as you navigate the storms of life. Even as your life is being violently shaken by the troubles in life, just like Jesus, you can rest peacefully because you are guaranteed that God is taking care of you.
The same way Jesus rebuked His disciples for their lack of faith is the same way this incident should challenge you to have faith and trust God to sustain and protect you through the storms of life.
3. He wanted to demonstrate His sovereignty over nature
Through this incident, Jesus demonstrated His sovereignty over nature when He calmed the storm.
Jesus is sovereign over nature and all aspects of your life. He can calm down any storm and help you overcome any challenge that you face.
His presence does not mean that storms won’t come, it just means that even when they do, He’ll be there to calm them.
How often did Jesus take naps?
The frequency of Jesus taking naps is not recorded in scripture, except for the time on the boat.
From this occurrence, it can be safe to assume that Jesus took naps frequently because He was human. And just like every single human being on earth gets tired and needs rest, so did Jesus.
You could also assume that His naps were often due to the nature of His work.
Ministry work is intense, and Jesus was probably very tired after traveling, teaching, and healing the people who followed Him.
What does the Bible say about taking naps?
Apart from Jesus’ example, the Bible talks about naps, rest, and sleep in several places. Since the world will tell you to work more and more, the Bible will instruct you to take time to rest because even God Himself did it.
Believers in Christ are also instructed to observe the Sabbath Day and keep it holy by refraining from any kind of work and resting instead.
When you rest, you trust God to sustain all happening around you without your control because He never sleeps or slumbers. You can rest because God does not.
It also talks about sleep as a gift from God and promises that even as you sleep, God keeps you safe. This is implied in the book of Psalms, chapter four, verse eight.
In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8
References
Jesus napped, and so should you!
Sleep, the Bible, and why you should take a nap
What is the significance of Jesus calming the storm?
Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is take a nap.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
