Matt.14:22,23 – Immediately afterward He compelled the disciples to get into the boat and to go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.
On of the amazing things about Jesus of Nazareth was His tendency to spend time with the Father in prayer. Apparently this was His very life, communicating with His Father, delighting Himself in that supernatural relationship, and leaning on the Father for wisdom and power in all that He did. To me this passage stands out in another way from the other places where we see Jesus in prayer. Here He is looking to the Father for strength and guidance as the cross was coming more into focus but there is also something else here. We see Jesus on the mountain in prayer; could this be a foretaste of His heavenly ministry where He ascended on high and lives to intercede for us? I believe it does. Jesus is praying for His disciples who are in the boat struggling against a storm. This sounds very familiar. I think that boat is His church and everyone of us is facing a storm. Thankfully Jesus is praying for us. Here is how John Trappe describes this scene.
“‘He sent the multitudes away’ that he might shun even the suspicion of sedition. Secret prayer fattens the soul, as secret morsels feed the body. Therefore, it is said to be the banquet of grace, where the soul may solace herself with God. Only … get into such a corner, as where we may be most free to call upon God without distraction, remembering our own fickleness and Satan’s restlessness. Retire we must sometimes, and into fit places to meet God … Christ here upon the mountain. While the disciples were periling and well nigh perishing, Christ was praying for them; so he is still for us, at the right hand of the majesty on high.”
This picture of Christ is seared in my heart, Jesus is seated on high in prayer and He is praying for me. It is impossible for any storm to defeat me because of His prayers. How can I be so certain? Because I am in the middle of what He called me to do. There is no safer place, gathered in the boat (church) with His followers going where He told us to go even if we are facing a storm.
2 thoughts on “THE SON OF GOD IN PRAYER”
Exactly!
The attitude of gratitude !
I am grateful for God’s plan of salvation . As Jesus intercedes for me to the Father , I am encouraged to cover my family in prayer . My prayer for me is Father transform me into the likeness of your Son Jesus Christ.
The blessing of prayer !