Daily Devotions
May 7th, 2014 by Pastor SolleyMatt 14:23-27 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone.
24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves: for the wind was contrary.
25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.
26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, It is a spirit; and they cried out for fear.
27 But straightway Jesus spake unto them, saying, Be of good cheer; it is I; be not afraid.
Who was Jesus praying for and what was He praying about? These things we are not told as Jesus departed into the mountain to be alone with the Father. However we can look to a few things to help us answer those questions. We know that Jesus was praying for the will of the Father to be carried out on this earth through Him. (John 4:34 Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work. ; Matt 6:9-10
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. 10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.) Never a contradiction with Jesus, Jesus always prayed for the will of the Father. Jesus also had a heart for others. (Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.; John 17:9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.)
Could it be that Jesus was praying for the disciples as they went out on that sea, that Jesus was praying for the will of the Father in the coming storm? No man can say exactly what or who Jesus was praying for, but we see in the character of Christ that He did pray for the will of the Father and for others before self. Some lessons in prayer.