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. (Matthew 14:23 NAS95)
News travels fast, even in the first century. The minute Jesus heard it, He longed for the comfort of His Father. John the Baptist had died from the hand of Herod’s executioners (14:10-13). John was not only Jesus’ cousin, but also the herald of the Kingdom and the Messiah. Jesus’ heart sunk and he wanted to get away. He needed to process what He’d heard and what it meant. Yet the crowds wouldn’t let Him. They followed Him to His place of solitude.
Good news or bad news, Jesus related everything that happened in His heart to His Father. Humanness is frail and a fallen world brings that frailty forward. Although Jesus had a perfectly untainted human nature, He didn’t escape the pains of being human. John’s passing hurt. So Jesus remained intentional in seeking time with His Father alone. Once He dismissed the crowd and His disciples, He went for an extended evening of communion with God until the wee hours of the morning. There He found the comfort, love, stamina and security He needed. His Father enveloped Him and let Him know nothing escapes His notice and love. He knew Jesus’ pain of loss and He was with Him in that grief. In prayer, Jesus felt His Father’s love. Strength returned and purpose reinvigorated His life all because He bared His soul with His Father. Communion with God works wonders — you might even walk on water! Jesus did.
For Reflection:
“For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have done, I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.” (Psalms 92:4 NAS95)
- When you have taken time to converse with God when your soul is grieved, what was your experience? What happened in your heart?
- When painful moments enter your life, what brings you comfort? How does prayer play a part of that?
