“He got into one of the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and asked him to put out a little from shore. Then He sat down and taught the people from the boat.” (Luke 5:3).
During His ministry years on earth, Jesus often borrowed stuff from those around Him. He borrowed Simon’s (Peter’s) boat to teach from there (Luke 5:3). He made use of Peter’s house – there He healed his mother-in-law and received many sick people (Mark 1:29-34). He borrowed a donkey to ride into Jerusalem on (Matthew 21:1-3). The tomb into which He was laid was not His own (Luke 23:50-53). Jesus, in Whom dwells the fullness of God, Creator of heaven and earth (Colossians 1:15-20), lived simply and depended on others by using their things.
What does this mean for us now? Should we follow Jesus’ example and also only borrow from others? That is not necessarily the conclusion; if everyone borrows, no one can lend out anymore. Still, we can learn a few things from Jesus: he was clearly not about possessions but relationships. After all, you need the other person. Moreover, by lending, Jesus taught possessors not to get too attached to their stuff. Don’t be difficult if people want to use what is yours. It is also better for the environment as well as for your wallet to use things together, instead of buying everything yourself.
What things do you feel comfortable lending out to others? What things do you dare to borrow from others?