If Jesus Is God, Why Did He Pray?
What was the purpose of Jesus’ prayer? As with any solution to a question of this nature, there are a plethora of compelling arguments to explain why the God-man, Jesus Christ, interceded. This is an issue that has been debated by many theologians throughout the history of the church. I believe the answer to this issue is rather straightforward: Jesus prayed because he felt a need to pray at the time.
1. Jesus prayed because God infused in him a spirit of prayer.
What was the purpose of Jesus’ prayer?. One may discover several reasonable reasons to explain why the God-man, Jesus Christ, prayed, just as one could find numerous sound reasons to explain why any inquiry of this nature gets asked. This is an issue that has been debated by many theologians throughout church history. When it comes to this subject, I believe the answer is rather straightforward: Jesus prayed because he needed to pray.
2. Jesus prayed because of who he is in relation to the Father.
When Jesus talks of his Father’s business in his Father’s house in Luke 2, his first recorded words express his devotion to his Father and his commitment to him. “‘Father, into your hands I submit my spirit!'” are the last documented words of Jesus, which express his faith in his heavenly Father. He died after saying this, says Luke, “having breathed his last” (Luke 23:46). Anyone conducting research on Jesus’ prayer life must take into consideration the fact that he prayed to his Father in heaven on an ongoing and ardent basis, something that is particularly evident in the Gospel narratives.
- When it came to praying to God, addressing him as “my Father” was nearly unheard of during the time of Christ.
- “At that moment, Jesus exclaimed, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth.'” The words of Christ take precedence above all else.
- Given the lack of precedent for loyal Jews addressing God as “Father” in prayer, the extraordinarily devoted Jew addressed to God as “Father” almost entirely in his recorded petitions, a phenomenon that has been seen before.
- The Aramaic wordabba alludes to a bond between a father and a kid.
- Jews, on the other hand, would have considered addressing God asabba to be insulting.
In the event that Jesus were not who he claimed to be, we would have good reason to join the Jews in accusing him of blasphemy: “This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God” (John 5:18).
The Prayers of Jesus
Based on the substance and form of Jesus’ prayers throughout his earthly ministry, this book instructs readers on the reasons for praying and the types of prayers they should say. Because of the uniqueness of the eternal relationship between the three persons of the Trinity, Christ addressed God as Father in virtually all circumstances, including the most dire: “‘My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will'” (Matthew 26:39). (Matt. 26:39).
- Meanwhile, the physical manifestation of the Son opened up a whole new manner of communicating with the Father.
- Finally, Jesus prayed to God because God had imbued him with a spirit of prayer, and also because of Christ’s position in connection to his Father, namely, that of being the Son of God, Jesus prayed to God.
- There are other reasons as well, but they are the most important in terms of comprehending our Lord’s petitions.
- On Christology and the Christian life, he has written several books and given numerous talks all over the world, including in China.
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Why Did Jesus Pray?
“Jesus, on the other hand, would frequently withdraw to the desert to pray.” 5:16 (Luke 5:16) When it comes to how a Christian should live while on this planet, Jesus gives a model to follow (cf. Rom 8:29). In addition to researching how he prayed, it is arguably even more important to understand why he prayed. He enjoyed uninterrupted connection with the Father since he was the eternal Son of God. So what was the point of praying for him then? You would suppose that because healwayscommunicated with the Father, as he had done during all of eternity before, he didn’t need to pray in the same manner that we did.
If that had happened, Jesus would have been unable to give himself as a substitutionary sacrifice for our sin because he would have been unlike us (Heb 2:17).
It is important to remember that while finding specific reasons why Jesus had to pray, we must be cautious to confine ourselves to what the Bible explicitly states and to ensure that any explanations (whether explicit or implicit) are consistent with what the Bible teaches about the Person of Christ.
Please consider the following times and reasons for which the eternal and incarnate Son of God prayed: a.
- The temptation of Satan was experienced by Jesus in Matthew 4:1ff
- Jesus had the responsibility of ministering to and with believers who had sin natures, Luke 6:12-13
- Jesus preached the gospel to fallen, unregenerate sinners, Mark 1:35-39
- Jesus was a human being, which inherently involves finite limitations (even now he prays, Rom 8:34
- Heb 7:25)
- Jesus prayed for the needs of others, Matt 19:13
- Luke 22:32
- Jesus went through sadness, distress, and trouble, as recorded in Matthew 24:36-38 and Mark 14:32-34
- Jesus worshipped and showed gratitude for God’s provision, as recorded in Luke 11:2
- 22:17, 19
- John 17:3, 11, 25
- And as recorded in Matthew 24:36-38 and Mark 14:32-34. It was necessary for Jesus to be “rescued from death.” The Bible says that Jesus prayed for the blessing of God on his ministry in Luke 3:21 (a conjecture based on the fact that his baptism marked the beginning of his public ministry)
- Jesus asked God to forgive men for their actions against him in Luke 22:34
- Jesus entrusted himself to the care of his Father in Luke 23:46
- Jesus desired to receive exclusive glory from God and himself in John 17:1, 5
- Jesus encountered opposition from unregenerate sinners and religious leaders
- And the Bible says
So, what was the reason behind Jesus’ prayer? It is what decent human beings do, and Jesus prayed because that is what they did! There is communication between them and their heavenly Father! Righteous folks bow their heads in prayer to God because:
- Prayer is an integral aspect of developing a connection with God. Prayer is necessary for anyone who want to follow God. Prayer is the natural behavior of a pious person
- It is their default setting.
Jesus prayed because he was a virtuous man/human being in the eyes of the Father. Jesus was a human person, and he was a moral human being, and as such, he prayed. In every way, save for the confession and repentance of sin, Jesus prayed for the same reasons that we as believers—justified (righteous) individuals—must pray. Because he lived in a world that was inclined and structured against God, Jesus, as a good man, pleaded to God on his behalf. The fact that we are “like” Jesus because of our humanity and upright position necessitates us to pray, just as he did, since he prayed.
What does our lack of prayer reveal about our sense of self-sufficiency and arrogance?
Why did Jesus pray?
Here’s everything you need to know: Jesus prayed as a model for us and because He liked conversing with God the Father, as well as for us. For the most part, Jesus’ prayer was motivated by two factors. First and foremost, he wished to serve as an example for others. Jesus prayed in the Lord’s Prayer in order to demonstrate to His disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13). First and foremost, Jesus prayed because He delighted in conversing with God the Father. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all one and the same being.
- They are one God.
- God is one, yet He still likes spending time with each of the three persons that make up the Trinity (The Trinity is the name for the Father, Son, and Spirit together).
- I’m confident that you are constantly aware of what I’m saying.
- I stated that in order for them to believe that you sent me ” (John 11:41-42).
- The Lord is a singular being ” (Mark 12:29b).
If Jesus was God, how could He pray to God? Was Jesus praying to Himself?
QuestionAnswer It is necessary to recognize that the eternal Father and the eternal Son had an everlasting relationship before Jesus took on the form of a man in order to understand Jesus as God on earth praying to His Father in heaven. Please read John 5:19-27, especially verse 23, in which Jesus teaches that the Father sent the Son to save the world from sin (also see John 15:10). When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He did not automatically become the Son of God. He has always been and will continue to be the Son of God from all eternity, and he will continue to be the Son of God indefinitely.
- Jesus, along with the Holy Spirit, was always considered to be a member of the trinity.
- John 10:30 is the passage in which Jesus teaches that He and His Father are one, which means that He and His Father are of the same substance and have the same essence (John 10:30).
- These three people have had, and continue to have, an enduring connection.
- While He was tempted by Satan, wrongly accused by mankind, rejected by His own people, and finally executed, He had to learn obedience (Hebrews 5:8) to His Father.
- (Mark 1:35, 6:46).
- It was through his prayers that He proved that He eventually surrendered to His Father’s will, which was for Him to die on the cross in order to pay the penalty (death) for our transgression of God’s rule (Matthew 26:31-46).
- No one has an issue with God the Son praying to God the Father or conversing with God the Father.
- In the Gospels, we see how the Son of God, in His humanity, carried out His Father’s purpose and in doing so, paid salvation for His people (John 6:38).
- It is our responsibility to follow Christ’s example of prayer.
- To execute His Father’s will, even in immaculate humanity, it is crucial to have a strong prayer life, as He demonstrated in this parable of the prodigal son.
Since Christ, as the God-man, required a thriving prayer life, so too should the disciple of Christ today, according to the Bible. Questions regarding Jesus Christ (return to top of page) Is it possible for Jesus, who is God, to pray to God? Was Jesus addressing himself in prayer?
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What Did Jesus Pray?
Jesus’ public career lasted only three and a half years, yet his intercessory ministry will have an indelible imprint on the church for all time. What method did he use to pray? What was it that he prayed for? Who was it that he prayed for? These are the kinds of questions that believers should be asking themselves in order to figure out the best approach to interact with our heavenly Father. Let us consider the kind of prayers that Jesus gave up to God in the heavenly realm.
1. Prayers to Resist Temptation
Before beginning his public ministry, Jesus journeyed into the desert, a location that would serve as his spiritual boot camp (Matthew 4:1-11). You could believe that Jesus didn’t require any type of instruction, but keep in mind that He was demonstrating to us how to put our confidence in God no matter what the situation. Yes, he was totally God, but he also took on the shape of a man and relinquished His divine abilities in order to survive the test of time as a simple mortal being. During this 40-day period, He fasted, and as anybody who has gone a few days without eating will attest, the frailty that results from a lack of food makes one more susceptible to temptation.
Despite the grumbling of his empty stomach, Jesus stood on the words of Scripture to warn Satan that “man does not live on food alone” (Matthew 4:4).
Although it is not strictly a prayer, when we pray, He serves as a model for how to combat temptation using God’s word.
2. Prayers ofForgiveness
Jesus had to forgive people who came into contact with him an undetermined number of times. Daily or perhaps hourly, as the priests and Pharisees repeatedly attempted to test Jesus and trip him up, it’s likely that they were doing so. One of the most powerful prayers the Son of God ever prayed took place at the foot of the cross, while Roman soldiers gambled for his clothing. “Forgive them since they are aware of what they are doing,” he says in his prayer for them (Luke 23:34). Jesus prayed for people who had trivialized his mission and insulted his suffering when he was nailed on a cross, writhing in agony.
3. Prayers of Praise
In Luke 10:21, Jesus expresses gratitude to God for concealing wisdom from the wise and revealing truth to tiny children. He also opened the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) with the words “Hallowed be thy name,” which means “Hallowed be thy name.” There aren’t many recorded examples of Jesus extolling the virtues of his heavenly Father in the Scriptures, to be sure. The opening line of the Lord’s Prayer, on the other hand, serves as an example of praise. “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name,” Jesus says at the outset of his prayer (Matthew 6:9).
As defined by Dictionary.com, the term “hallowed” refers to the act of making something holy, sanctifying it, consecrating it, honoring it as holy, considering it sacred, or venerate it: to hallow a battlefield.
4. Prayers of Submission
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed a prayer of surrender that is considered to be one of the finest instances of prayer in history. He was well aware that his time on this planet was drawing to a conclusion. And, as a human being, he recognized that the end would be unpleasant. “Going a little further, he fell to the ground with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken away from me.'” Matthew 26:39 says, “Going a little further, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, ‘My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken away from me.'” ‘However, not as I will, but as you will’.” Jesus might have adopted a stoic attitude, allowing grief to pass him by.
Instead, we saw His humanity as He grappled with the reality of His imminent death.
5. Prayers of Intercession
If you want to witness Jesus’ Fatherly love for his people, go no farther than John 17. In a moving prayer, Jesus brings his people closer together, preparing them for a day when they will be without Him. “I say a prayer for them. I am not praying for the entire world, but rather for those whom you have given me, for they are yours to keep and cherish. Everything I have is yours, and everything you have is mine. And it is through them that I have received honor. I shall no longer be present in the world, but they will continue to be present in the world, and I will come to you.
- Knowing that his time on earth was limited, Jesus prayed for his followers.
- One was impetuous and afraid, while the other was driven by ambition to establish himself as a successful businessman.
- In this prayer, Jesus prepared his tiny band of men for the task of spreading the gospel throughout the globe.
- “I say a prayer for them.
- Everything I have is yours, and everything you have is mine.
- I shall no longer be present in the world, but they will continue to be present in the world, and I will come to you.
- Because Jesus was the only real representation of God on earth, it makes sense to model our prayers after His as we seek to speak with the Almighty God in our own lives.
- The author, reporter, and freelancer Carol Stratton works in a variety of genres.
- She is now working on a sequel to her first novel and keeping up with her blogging activities.
- She is married to her writing muse, John, and they live in North Carolina with their four children and eight grandkids.
She enjoys boosting the confidence of new authors and readers who have recently relocated. Connect with her at her website, CarolGStratton.com, as well as on social media platforms Twitter and Facebook. Photo courtesy of Aaron Burden via Unsplash.
Jesus Did Not Pray Just to Set an Example
We are everyone aware that Jesus prayed. You could read the Gospels while half-asleep and not miss this important point about Jesus’ life. But why did Jesus pray in the first place? This is a question that demands further thought. I recall once hearing a pastor claim that Jesus simply prayed in order to serve as a model for all of humanity. After all, he was God, and thus he didn’t have to pray to anybody. Is this, however, correct? Mark Jones, on the other hand, is not convinced. And in his latest book, The Prayers of Jesus: Listening to and Learning from our Savior, he addresses these and other pertinent questions.
The Prayers of Jesus: Listening to and Learning from Our Savior
Crossway Publishing (2019).224 pages. Jesus’ dedication to prayer during his human career on earth was a defining characteristic of his ministry. We learn what it is to fully rely on God as a result of his devotion to prayer. Looking at all of Jesus’ prayers recorded in the New Testament, this book examines the substance and form of Jesus’ words to his Father, assisting us in imitating his example as adopted sons and daughters in Christ. Crossway Publishing (2019).224 pages.
Rooted in Reformed Christology
Anyone who has read much of Jones’ work knows that he is a huge fan of both Christology and the Puritans, and that his works generally contain a strong dosage of both of these ideas. In his PhD dissertation, he examined Thomas Goodwin’s Christology. He has already provided us with outstanding Christological writings such asA Christian’s Pocket Guide to Jesus Christand the Packer-likeKnowingChrist, to name a few of examples. Even the work that first brought him to public attention, Antinomianism: Reformed Theology’s Unwelcome Guest?, places a strong emphasis on the person of Christ as the solution to the conflict between law and gospel viewpoints.
Indeed, the book’s opening, “Introducing Our Praying Lord,” is worth the price of admission on its own merits.
He distinguishes the Reformed Orthodox interpretation from that of Roman Catholicism and Lutheranism, both of which, he argues, “elevate the human natureabove the boundaries set for it in Christ’s life of humiliation.” He concludes that the Reformed Orthodox interpretation is “the most accurate interpretation of the Bible” (18).
- What does it say about us, his younger, non-divine siblings?
- A common argument among Roman theologians is that, as a result of his divine nature, Jesus possessed the beatific vision from birth, allowing him to walk by sight rather than faith.
- However, as a result of both, “they are unable to effectively account for growth in Christ’s human character.” Even the actuality of Christ’s humility is called into question: “Did Christ truly need to learn and be taught?” says the author.
- This will have an impact on how you respond to many questions, the most crucial of which being “Why did Jesus pray?” for the purposes of this book.
- In every way, Jesus was totally human, with a real body and a rational soul.
- This would make it difficult to understand how Jesus could have grown in understanding as he got older (Luke 2:52), professed ignorance of the day of his return (Mark 13:32), or gained obedience through the suffering he endured (Matthew 26:53).
- 5:8).
5:7).
It is for this reason that Jesus’ prayers are all the more important for us as Christians, since while we do not share his Godhead, we do share his Spirit (Mark 1:8; Gal.
“In this way, we want to pray in the same way that our Lord prayed: in the Spirit” (24).
It’s true that Jesus prayed in order to serve as a model for the rest of humanity.
He prayed as if he were bone of our bone and flesh of our flesh, and “his prayers were at the center of his submissive and dependent life before the Father,” according to the apostle Paul (16).
If Jesus did not pray out of necessity, “something is amiss with our sense of who he is,” says the author (16).
Geared toward Scriptural Devotion
If you’ve done any reading at all of Jones’ work, you’re probably aware that, despite his admiration for the Puritans (or possibly because of it), he makes considerable effort to be biblical, drawing meticulous theological distinctions. This book is no exception, with an extensive Scripture index to prove that. The Prayers of Jesus are divided into 26 chapters, each of which begins with the words “Jesus Prayed.” The chapter subjects are organized chronologically, beginning with “Jesus Prayed from His Mother’s Breast” (Ps.
- 26:37–39) and “Jesus Prayed His Final Prayer” (Matt.
- (Luke 23:46).
- The way Jesus prayed (in private, joyously, confidently, and so on) as well as the types of things he prayed for (his Father’s glory, his church’s unity, his adversaries’ redemption, and so on) are revealed as we progress through the Gospels.
- These chapters should prove to be an invaluable resource for anyone who want to preach through that period.
- Jones writes for a broad audience, as he always does, and he is not hesitant to tackle difficult subjects.
Along with the introduction (which he admits is “more difficult than the rest of the book”), readers will encounter the trinitarian doctrine of appropriations (94), the distinction between God’s absolute power and ordained power (182), the distinction between God’s love of benevolence and love of complaisance (157), and a discussion of how Jesus could be abandoned on the cross without the Godhead being divided (195–98).
- These dialogues, albeit tough, are biblically based and directed toward a better appreciation for who Jesus is and what he has done in the world.
- Jesus’ prayer life, like his life in general, gives a pattern that we are intended to follow, despite the fact that it is manifestly distinctive in several aspects (Matt.
- What was the purpose of Jesus’ prayer?
- In addition, if even Jesus had to pray, what does that say about us, his younger, non-divine siblings?
- Prayer, of course, is not only necessary, but it can also be difficult.
- Possibly you could say the same thing.
- Jesus is alive and is interceding for us at this very moment.
- The Spirit not only assists us when we are weak and do not know what to pray, but he also assists us in reading our elder Brother’s prayers and learning to pray in the same manner as he does.
Justin Dillehay (MDiv, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is a pastor at Grace Baptist Church in Hartsville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife, Tilly, and their three children, Norah, Agnes, and Henry. He is married to Tilly, and they have three children.
What 3 Things Did Jesus Pray For?
Do you ever find yourself unable to comprehend God’s ways? Or do you get the impression, every now and again, that Jesus had no understanding what it was like to be in your position? You may be confident that Jesus coped with sentiments that were far more alone and agonizing than you will ever experience if you are going through a tough moment, whatever it is. He was not only tortured and slain because of His connection with and devotion to God, but he was also aware that this was going to happen and marched freely toward it with the aim of being faithful even to death.
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me; but not My will, but Yours be done,” He said.
Even though He interrupted His prayer time twice to come back to the huddle and ask them to continue praying for Him, three of His closest friends, whom He had brought along with Him that evening for His prayer support, were unable to stay awake to pray for Him a few yards away, despite His repeated requests.
- Yet, in the end, he desired God’s will rather than his own.
- His struggle in prayer that night in the Garden is proof that we have a High Priest who understands our shortcomings, our temptations, and our troubles (Hebrews 4:15-16), and as a result, we may come near to Him with confidence when we are in need of assistance.
- It was also through Him that we saw what it looked like to set aside His own comfort and convenience, as well as His very life, and place Himself completely and completely in the hands of His Father.
- Lord God, assist me in prioritizing Your will over my own so that You will eventually be praised in everything I say and do.
2 Pillars Church — Why Did Jesus Go Up On The Mountain To Pray?
It is difficult to cover all of the ground that has to be covered in a single sermon on a given text. The implications of this are that for every sermon you hear, there is a slew of observations, insights, linkages, and applications that were not included. Preachers have a number of significant (and tough!) responsibilities, one of which is making judgments about what to bring into the pulpit on Sunday and what to keep out. The sermon delivered on Sunday was no exception. Mark 6:46—45 is a scripture that I barely touched on briefly in my presentation.
46 When he had said his goodbyes to them, he climbed up on top of the mountain and prayed.
(Matthew 6:45–46.) I didn’t get to say everything I wanted to address this verse and Jesus’ retreat to the mountain to pray because of time constraints, so I thought I’d spend a few minutes here to add a few more thoughts.
Jesus Praying in Mark
There are just three instances of Jesus praying in the entire gospel of Mark (Mark 1:35, 6:46, and 14:32–39), and each of those instances is brief. In each of these events, Jesus experienced a watershed moment in His mission, whether it was a crisis or a critical choice, as explained by writer James R. Edwards: Each prayer takes place at night and in a solitary location, each finds Jesus’ disciples estranged from him and unable to comprehend his mission, and in each, Jesus must make a life-altering decision or confront a catastrophe.
(197) When I preached on Sunday, I used the passage from John 6:15, which, at least in part, explains the predicament Jesus was facing: Knowing that they were preparing to come and seize him by force in order to declare him king, Jesus retired to the mountain by himself once more.
Jesus, on the other hand, came as a suffering servant-King who would save His people from their sin.
I believe the complete tale is told in the book of Acts.
The Disciples’ Hard Hearts
Jesus’ own followers were the most major source of criticism following the feeding of the five thousand (Mark 6:30–44), rather than the large multitudes that had gathered. The verses 51–52 inform us that: 51 And as he got into the boat with them, the wind stopped blowing. And they were completely taken aback, 52 because they did not comprehend the significance of the loaves, but their hearts had become hardened. The disciples were perplexed by Jesus’ explanation of the loaves. They were present when the miracle feeding took place.
They finished their meal and were satisfied.
Despite this, their hearts remained hardened.
If the hardness of the Pharisees upset Jesus, imagine how much more Jesus must have been affected by the hardness of His own followers’ hearts!
A Time to Speak and a Time to Pray
The way Jesus responded to His disciples’ hardheartedness, unbelief, and lack of understanding is instructive for us to learn from as well. What did Jesus do in the face of this opposition? He went up to the top of the mountain in order to pray. So often, our own response to this kind of opposition is to speak more and do more. “If I share more information, present another argument, recommend another book, or repeat the important details that they might have missed,” we tell ourselves, “then maybe they’ll understand and respond to Jesus in faith.” While faithdoescome from hearing (Romans 10:17), hard hearts aren’t overcome with mere words.
In fact, one of the promises of the New Covenant is a new heart (Ezekiel 11:19), given by God Himself.
Why would Jesus pray if He is one with the Father?
Jesus’ prayer to God in Matthew 26:36 is puzzling in light of the fact that He previously said that He and His Father are One. While saying that He and His Father are One (John 10:30), Jesus was expressing the concept of having the same divine nature as God the Father, despite the fact that He takes on the form of a man. According to Philippians 2:5-8, this is plainly stated: “.Jesus Christ, the Messiah: Despite the fact that He was God by nature, He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but instead made Himself nothing by taking on the very essence of a servant and being formed in the image of a human being.
They are also distinct
It is critical to recognize that, although while Jesus and the Father are one, they are nonetheless two different individuals in their own right (which is why Philippians 2:5-8 can refer to Jesus and the Father separately). The Father and Jesus (together with the Holy Spirit) are different, independent beings, yet together they form a single God, who is called “the Father.” As a result, because the Father and Jesus are unique individuals, they are able to communicate with (and pray to!) one another.
Relationship of love
The relationship that exists between Jesus and God is one of love between them. As God spoke of Jesus during His baptism, “As Jesus was rising up out of the water, he saw heaven being ripped open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. ” At the transfiguration, a voice from heaven said, “You are my Son, whom I love; with You I am well pleased” (Mark 1:10-11), and a dazzling cloud covered them, with a voice from the cloud saying, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Mark 1:12-13).
It is because Jesus and the Father are One that Jesus was able to pray so effortlessly.
We have Jesus dwelling inside us because of the Holy Spirit, and we are to “pray continuously; offer thanks in all situations, because this is God’s wish for you in Christ Jesus,” as the Bible says (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
How could Jesus pray to God if He is God? Was Jesus praying to Himself?
One of the most important passages in the Bible, Hebrews 2:17, explains how Jesus could pray to God the Father. “As a result, he had to be treated the same as his siblings in every way.” Praying is one of the most essential responsibilities that everyone has. The fact that Jesus was both completely human and completely divine meant that it was only natural that He should pray to His heavenly Father. There are a variety of reasons why Jesus prayed to the Father while still a human being. First and foremost, everyone is called to worship God.
- Jesus, in his capacity as our high priest, intercedes on our behalf on behalf of God’s people (Hebrews 2:17).
- It is recorded in John 11:41-42 that Jesus was praying to God the Father for yet another reason.
- I was aware that you were constantly aware of my presence, but I stated this in order for the others who were standing about to think that you had sent me.” As a result, one of the reasons Jesus prayed to the Father was for the benefit of people who were in His immediate vicinity.
- Sometimes the Bible says little more than “Jesus prayed,” but other times we get a glimpse of something more significant.
- Within the framework of a prayer, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all revealed in perfect communion with one another.
- He prayed to God the Father because it was the right thing to do.
- Truths that are related: Is Jesus Christ the Son of God?
What is the theological idea of the hypostatic union and how does it manifest itself? What is the kenosis and how does it manifest itself? What do you think are the most compelling arguments supporting the deity of Jesus Christ? Return to the page: The Truth About Jesus Christ.
Why did Jesus pray only that Peter’s faith wouldn’t fail?
In Luke’s account of the Last Supper, Jesus told Simon Peter, “Satan has requested to sift all of you as wheat.” “However, I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not be tested.” What exactly does the phrase “all of you” mean in this context? Is it possible that Satan want “all of Simon,” or that he desired to sift through all twelve apostles? Assuming that Satan desired to sift through all twelve apostles, then why did Jesus tell just Simon that he was praying that his faith would not be tested?
- “All of you” refers to Satan’s desire to sift through the whole group of twelve apostles.
- In some versions, “you apostles,” “you disciples,” or “you gentlemen” are used instead.
- The disciples, rather than arguing about which of them was the greatest in response to Jesus’ warning that one of them would betray him, I believe Jesus understood the confidence that Peter, in particular, was likely expressing.
- However, Jesus had Peter in mind for a leadership position in the community of his followers after his death, and the command to “strengthen your brethren” is a summons to enter into that role even after Peter’s denial of Jesus’ authority.
- “The Refusal of St.
- Peter repudiated Jesus on the same evening that he had boasted about him at the Last Supper, despite his confidence.
- The Rev.
- Christopher R.
- For the past twenty-five years, he has been involved in parish and student ministry.
- His Understanding the Books of the Bible study guide series is based on this structure, as is his Understanding the Books of the Bible blog.
- Harvard University awarded him a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature and Language in addition to a Master of Arts in Theological Studies from Gordon-Conwell.
He received his Ph.D. in the History of Christian Life and Thought, with a minor concentration in Biblical Studies, from Boston College, which is affiliated with Andover Newton Theological School. View all of Christopher R Smith’s blog entries.
Why did Jesus Pray?
Introduction There are three different perspectives on how Jesus’ pleas to the Father should be understood. This is the conventional Trinitarian perspective, which holds that since a person can pray, Jesus as the second member of God’s Trinity prayed to God the Father, who is considered the first person of God’s trinity, in order to obtain favor from God. According to this viewpoint, one member of the Godhead prayed to another member of the Godhead. The second point of view is held by Oneness theologians, who believe that Jesus’ human nature interceded on behalf of the divine nature that dwelled inside Him.
- One nature was wholly human, while the other was wholly divine.
- The interpretation of the One God, which I believe to be the real scriptural view, is the third point of view to consider.
- Rather, He prayed for the wretchedness of humanity.
- He was interceding on behalf of a vulnerable and corrupt humanity, to put it another way.
- ANALYSIS OF THE DIFFERENT POINTS OF VIEWAfter quickly introducing the various points of view, let us take a deeper look at each of them.
- The following are examples of one person’s perspective on another: In response to this idea, the first argument stated was that it is in direct conflict with all Scriptures in the Bible that teach that God is numerically One. Here are a few illustrations: Genesis 6:4
- Genesis 32:39
- Isaiah 43:10
- Isaiah 44:8
- Zech 14:8
- Mal 2:10
- John 1:1,14
- Mark 12:29–32
- Rom 9:5
- 1 Timothy 2:15
- I Timothy 3:16
- James 2:19–20
- I John 5:20 The fact that One God named Jesus is praying to another God called the Father in a triune Godhead would be incongruous with the witness of God Himself in light of these overwhelming One God texts
- Accordant to the Athanasian Creed, the doctrine of the Trinity holds that the three persons are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial, meaning that they are one and the same. This begs the question, doesn’t it? Is it possible for Jesus to be considered co-equal with the Father if He must first pray to Him? Wouldn’t his prayer suggest that he is somehow less important than God the Father?
It should be noted that this viewpoint emerged only after the theology of the Trinity had been clearly articulated by the church fathers at Nicea and Constantinople in the fourth and fifth centuries. A few questions for those who believe in the Trinity are as follows: Why did Jesus only pray to the Father and not to the Holy Spirit? What is the significance of what He says in John 16:26? When you ask in my name on that day, I will not respond to you that I will PRAY to the Father on your behalf: Why does He suddenly cease to pray to the Father on that day?
- In 1 Corinthians 1:13, we read that human nature prays to the Divine Nature Theory. Is Christ in a state of division? Was Paul crucified in your place? Was your baptism under the name of Paul, or were you baptized elsewhere? This viewpoint clearly divides Christ into two ambiguous natures, which are said to be totally human and entirely divine, respectively. However, Trinitarians do not acknowledge them as fellow-Chalcedonians because the Council of Chalcedon ad 451 never said that one nature prayed to another nature inside Jesus, as they claim. Although extreme, this viewpoint goes to considerable pains to retain the oneness of the man Jesus, while plainly leaning significantly toward Nestorianism, which separated Christ into two distinct individuals. Because a nature does not pray, but a person does, oneness theologians have been pushed to clarify what they mean by “one nature praying to another.” Furthermore, Mary did not give birth to a nature, but rather to a human being
- The idea also has a flaw in that it fits the bizarre and unfounded assumption that Jesus had the propensity to commit sin. Jesus prayed for them in order to save them from falling prey to temptation and immorality. They claim that Adam’s human nature was similar to ours, with the exception of the inherited sin. However, did not Jesus indicate in John 8:46 that he will return? Which among you has the ability to persuade me of my sin? Didn’t James say in James 1:13 that he was a prophet? When someone is tempted, they should not declare, “I am being tempted by God,” since God cannot be enticed with evil, nor does he tempt anybody. Consequently, we believe that Jesus did not pray for himself. He had never known sin and would never be able to comprehend it
IN THIS WAY, JESUS WAS COMPLETING THE ROLE OF INTERCESSOR: So, if Jesus is the One and Only True God, why did He pray? The first answer can be found in the prophesies of the prophet Isaiah. Isa 59:16 (Isa 59:16) As soon as he realized that there was no man present, he was filled with awe because there was no intercessor; as a result, his arm brought salvation to him, and his righteousness maintained him. Please pay close attention to the fact that God did not see a man or an intercessor. In His prayers, Jesus saw that there was no one else in the entire cosmos who could pray and intervene on behalf of humankind, and so He prayed on their behalf.
I have walked alone through the winepress, and there was no one else with me among the people: If there is no one else who can intercede and pray for mankind, then it is only God who can pray and fulfill the position of High Priest for us.
But please know that I have prayed for you, that thy faith may not be shaken; and after thou hast been converted, please help encourage thy comrades.
This means that God, through his Son, Jesus Christ, reconciled the world to himself, without impugning their sins onto them, and he has committed the word of reconciliation to us.
Despite his innocence, the prophet counts himself among the transgressors of the children of Israel in Daniel chapter 9, and he prays to the Almighty with the words “we have sinned against thee.” However, despite the fact that Daniel was never accused of anything wrong, he repented as though he were the most heinous of all sinners.
A careful examination of these scriptures should confirm that: 6:38 (John 6:38) For I did not come down from heaven to fulfill my own will, but to carry out the will of the one who sent me.
I can do nothing of my own accord: as I hear, I judge; and my judgment is fair, because I seek not my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me, as I understand it.
The Bible says in John 14:10-11.
The words that I speak unto you are not said on my behalf; rather, the Father who dwelleth in me is the one who does the deeds.
Psalm 40:8 (KJV) I take pleasure in carrying out thy will, O my God; indeed, thy law is written on my heart.
One will for each of the four elements: When Constantine IV was crowned emperor in 668, the debate erupted once more, and the new emperor convened a great council, which met in Constantinople in 680.
Agathos believes that the will is a property of nature, and that there are two natures, which translates into two wills; nonetheless, the human will defines itself in accordance with the divine and almighty will all of the time.
The Apostles believed in a single God who presented Himself in His own flesh and blood, and not in another autonomous human person with his or her own nature, spirit, will, or any of the other attributes of humanity.
Knowing that the prayers of Jesus will be misread and misunderstood, Isaiah is on the verge of despair: Isa 53:1 is a biblical verse that states Who among you has taken our word for it?
Isa 53:3-4 is a passage from the Bible.
Certainly, he has endured our sorrows and carried our griefs; still, we considered him to be afflicted, struck by God, and afflicted.
WHAT I WANT TO KNOW IS: TO WHOM IS THE HOLY SPIRIT PRAYING?
OPERATIONAL OR IS HE PRAYING TO ANOTHER PERSON INSIDE HIMSELF?
Due to the fact that there is only one God, His intercession for us MUST RETURN TO HIMSELF in order to be effective.
Rather, it is accurate to say that GOD, who is Spirit, is interceding and praying for those of us who are weak and unable to help ourselves.
2 Timothy 2:5 Revelation 8:26-27 26 Likewise, the Spirit assists us in our weaknesses, for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us, groaning in our hearts that we cannot express.
27 And those who investigate the hearts know what the Spirit is thinking because he intercedes for the Christians in accordance with God’s plan. (KJV)