Jesus Christ was 100% human and 100% God which implies that while He was in the world, he had character traits similar to other personality traits that humans have. Humans can be described as either extroverts or introverts. Extroverts interact much more with the outer world, while introverts interact much more with their inner world. Therefore, people are curious to know about Jesus’ personality. So, what personality type was Jesus?
Analyzing the Gospel and ministry of Jesus and his interactions, we can conclude that he was more extroverted but a little introverted. His introverted personality stems from the moments when he was praying.
So can you measure Jesus’ personality traits? Was Jesus an extrovert or an introvert? What Bible verses show Jesus was an introvert? What Bible verses show Jesus was an extrovert? Read on to find out.
Can you measure Jesus’ personality traits?
It is implied that Jesus’s personality can be tested by studying his Gospels and how He conducted himself during his ministry. During his ministry, we can see how he interacted with people from both classes and handled tricky situations. However, some people would want to measure Jesus’s personality using Myer-Briggs’ personality test.
The test has 93 questions determining which personality an individual can be among the sixteen. Some can answer the personality and make Jesus fit into it, yet the MBTI taste has much criticism. It is argued that people’s traits change with time and environment; therefore, testing Jesus’s personality using MBTI might be misleading.
Was Jesus an extrovert or an introvert?
Reading the Gospels of Jesus Christ during his time on earth implies that Jesus was both introverted and extroverted. There were many occasions when Jesus sought out social interaction, which was more effective for his ministry. Also, the fact that Jesus was more of a speaker than a writer makes Him an extrovert. On the other hand, the gospels suggest that in some moments, especially during prayers, Jesus was an introvert. Therefore, Jesus was more of an extrovert and less of an introvert.
What Bible verses show Jesus was an introvert?
There were some occasions in the Bible when Jesus portrayed the characteristics of introverts. According to psychology, introverts are thoughtful, become more energized while alone, keep their emotions private, and are observant and social around people they know. Jesus is an example of an introvert at some moments, especially when He was praying.
In the book of Matthew 14:13-14, it is recorded, “When Jesus heard the news about John, he left there in a boat and went to a lonely place by himself. The people heard about it, so they left their towns and followed him by land. Jesus got out of the boat, and when he saw the large crowd, his heart was filled with pity for them, and he healed their sick.” This verse implies that sometimes Jesus valued being alone and getting energized when alone.
Also, in the Bible, at one place, Gethsemane Jesus portrayed twice his introverted personality when He Kept on moving away from his disciples to be alone and pray.
Matthew 26:36 says, “Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.”
Matthew 26:39 says, “He went a little farther on, threw himself face downward on the ground, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, take this cup of suffering from me! Yet not what I want, but what you want.”
Matthew 26:42 “Once more Jesus went away and prayed, “My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
Matthew 26:44 “Again Jesus left them, went away, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.”
As an introvert, Jesus could focus and think deeper, especially during the woman of sin when the crowd was pressing him so much. John 1:4-9 says, “Teacher,” they said to Jesus, “this woman was caught in committing adultery. In our Law, Moses commanded that such a woman must be stoned to death. Now, what do you say?” They said this to trap Jesus so that they could accuse him. But he bent over and wrote on the ground with his finger. As they stood there asking him questions, he straightened up and said to them, “Whichever one of you has committed no sin may throw the first stone at her.” Then he bent over again and wrote on the ground. When they heard this, they all left, one by one, the older ones first. Jesus was left alone, with the woman still standing there.”
What Bible verses show Jesus was an extrovert?
There are some verses in the Bible that imply that Jesus was an extrovert while on earth.
Matthew 9: 35-36 says, “Jesus went around visiting all the towns and villages. He taught in the synagogues, preached the Good News about the Kingdom, and healed people with every kind of disease and sickness. As he saw the crowds, his heart was filled with pity for them because they were worried and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” According to the definition, an extrovert—is a person who loves and looks for social interaction. Jesus chose to seek social interaction because it was more effective for His ministry. When He visited towns and villages, he sought social interaction when he addressed crowds and healed the sick.
Mark 1:38-39 says, ” But Jesus answered, “We must go on to the other villages around here. I have to preach in them also because that is why I came.” So he traveled all over Galilee, preaching in the synagogues and driving out demons.” Only extremely extroverted people can interact with new people and preach to them whole, removing demons from them.
Also, the fact that Jesus had to gather 12 disciples to follow him and help him in his ministry implies that he loved social relations. Mark 1:16-20 “As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people.” At once, they left their nets and went with him. He went a little farther on and saw two other brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in their boat getting their nets ready. As soon as Jesus saw them, he called them; they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and went with Jesus.” Jesus approached these disciples and turned them into His followers, proving that as a human being, he was an extrovert. Also, in Matthew 4:18-22 and in Luke 5:1-11. Most especially Luke 5: 2-4 “He saw two boats pulled up on the beach; the fishermen had left them and were washing the nets. Jesus got into one of the boats–it belonged to Simon—and asked him to push off a little from the shore. Jesus sat in the boat and taught the crowd. When he finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Push the boat out further to the deep water, and you and your partners let down your nets for a catch.” This verse implies that Jesus was more of an extrovert because He started talking to strangers and preaching to them.
Also, in Matthew 15:32, it is recorded that “Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I feel sorry for these people because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. I don’t want to send them away without feeding them, for they might faint on their way home.” This verse implies that Jesus was an extrovert because he spent three days with the crowd and was worried about feeding them. According to psychology, an extrovert displays characteristics like being sociable, loving attention, loving speaking more than writing, and becoming more energetic and motivated by the presence of people. This verse implies that Jesus had such traits, which is why we can suggest that he was an extrovert.
References
Lessons from Jesus: Growing as Introverted Leaders
Introversion in the Kingdom of God
What Personality Type was Jesus
Extroversion in the Kingdom of God
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.
