JESUS WALKS TO A QUIET PLACE

Walking, preaching, healing, resting and starting all over again the next day.  I have often wondered if Jesus felt ….. Of course not. 

Take a sip of your coffee and picture the sun coming up.  It is a beautiful morning.  Very early.  Jesus left the house without waking his disciples.  And he walked toward the morning sun.  I picture him stopping, looking around, hearing the birds, feeling a gentle breeze, and then no sound at all.  Just quiet.  As if nature held its breath, waiting to hear Jesus pray. 

My Father …  What beautiful words must have followed his greeting.  Words from deep within his soul.  Praises.  Petitions.  A conversation that can only be held between God and His Son. 

Again, Jesus goes to pray.  The disciples were crossing the lake and all the people had been sent home.  Jesus walks into the hills.  I wonder if he took his time.  I wonder if he sang or whistled.  Did he start praying as he walked?  Did he tell His Father about the children who gave him hugs?  Did he smile as he wondered if the disciples would ever totally understand?  “Yes, Father.  I will have patience with them.”  Did he even notice when the day ended and the night began? 

The disciples listened as Jesus prayed to be glorified.  As he prayed for them.  As he prayed for all believers.  Then they followed Jesus.  Jesus walked, knowing this would be his final prayer on the Mount of Olives.  “Father, if you are willing….”  “Not my will, but yours be done.”

Jesus walked to preach, to heal, to teach, and to pray.  We each have a walk to take.

SCRIPTURES REFERENCED:  Mark 1:35, Matthew 14:23, Luke 22:39-45

Four Gospels.  Each written to guide us.  Each writer considered Jesus praying after the Last Supper and in the garden important.  Jesus prayed that final time:  Matthew 26:36-45, Mark 14:32-42, Luke 22:39-46 and John 17