From the desk of Pastor Ben

Jesus’ Prayer Time Undergirds His Authority

“He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.”         (Matthew 14:23b)

The three temptations Jesus faced after His baptism, were not the only ones He’d ever face during His time on earth (Luke 4:13). In fact, the enthusiasm of the crowd — and by inference the Twelve — to make Jesus king was much like the third temptation when the devil offered Him all the world’s kingdoms (Matthew 4:8-9). We can imagine Satan now saying, “This Passover season is a great time to establish my kingdom. I could march triumphantly into Jerusalem at the front of thousands of loyal and enthusiastic Jesus supporters.” Satan undoubtedly would have felt Jesus would attract many additional supporters along the way, and His divine power would guarantee victory over any opposition. Under this scenario, Jesus could be a king without having to endure an unfair trial and crucifixion later.

In the face of such temptations, however, Jesus refused an enticement to sin, as He would always refuse any evil or disobedience to the Father’s plan. The only victory our Lord celebrated was in prayer on the mountain — victory over temptation and the forces of darkness, not mere earthly powers.

Much later, Jesus assured Peter, “Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail” (Luke 22:31-32). No doubt the Lord prayed for all the apostles long before His magnificent high priestly prayer (John 17:6-26). And it’s likely He prayed for them now with full confidence His prayers would be effective, because He had all authority over anything in the universe.

Ask Yourself:
Perhaps prayer has become a normal activity in your life lately — something you do but not something you really depend . What goes out of your heart every time prayer becomes an activity you can take or leave? What helps you keep prayer in its proper place of importance?