Why Jesus Rose Early: The Importance of Prioritizing Prayer and Seeking Solitude

Why Jesus Rose Early

Jesus was not just a carpenter, a teacher, or a miracle worker. He was the Son of God who came to earth to fulfill the will of his Father and redeem humanity from sin. And one of the things that sets Jesus apart from everyone else is his commitment to prayer and obedience to his Father's will. One thing that stands out in the Gospels is how Jesus consistently rose early in the morning to pray.

Mark 1:35 says, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed." This was not a one-time occurrence. Luke 5:16 confirms that Jesus "would withdraw to desolate places and pray." And in Luke 6:12, it says, "In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God."

So why did Jesus rise early to pray, and what can we learn from his example?

1. Jesus prioritized prayer

Jesus's early morning prayer was a reflection of his priorities. He knew that prayer was essential to his relationship with his Father and to fulfilling his mission on earth. In John 5:19, Jesus said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of his own accord, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise." Jesus relied on his Father's guidance and strength to do his work.

And just as Jesus prioritized prayer, we too should make prayer a priority in our lives. Prayer is not just something we do when we have time or when we're in trouble. It is the lifeline of our relationship with God, and it should be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. As Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, "pray without ceasing."

2. Jesus sought solitude

Another reason Jesus rose early to pray was to seek solitude. He would often go to desolate places where he could be alone with his Father. In Mark 1:35, it says, "he departed and went out to a desolate place." In Luke 5:16, it says, "he would withdraw to desolate places." And in Luke 6:12, it says, "he went out to the mountain to pray."

Jesus knew that in order to hear his Father's voice, he needed to get away from the distractions and noise of the world. And in the same way, we too need to seek solitude and silence in order to hear from God. We need to carve out time in our busy schedules to be alone with God, to listen to his voice, and to be refreshed in his presence.

3. Jesus needed strength for the day ahead

Finally, Jesus rose early to pray because he needed strength for the day ahead. Prayer was not just a spiritual discipline for him; it was a source of power and sustenance. In John 15:5, Jesus said, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." Jesus knew that apart from his Father, he could do nothing, and so he relied on his Father's strength to sustain him.

And in the same way, we too need to rely on God's strength to sustain us. We cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. We need the power of the Holy Spirit to guide us, empower us, and sustain us. And prayer is the means by which we tap into that power. As Paul says in Ephesians 6:18, "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints."

Conclusion

Jesus's example of rising early to pray is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer in the Christian life. Prayer is not just a spiritual discipline or a duty; it is a privilege and a source of power. When we pray, we enter into the presence of our heavenly Father and tap into his strength and wisdom. We are renewed, refreshed, and empowered to live the Christian life.

So let us follow Jesus's example and make prayer a priority in our lives. Let us seek solitude and silence so that we can hear from God. And let us rely on God's strength to sustain us as we seek to live for him.