TEXT:
‘One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”’ (Luke 11:1 NIV)
Luke’s gospel records seven occasions when Jesus prayed. Today’s Teaching is studying each one to see why Jesus prayed and what was the result, so we can safely imitate them and enjoy a more successful prayer life!
In Parts 1 & 2, we studied how Jesus prayed: to receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit; to guard Himself against the dangers of pride and self-reliance; to be cautious in decision-making and to promote evangelism.
In this final part, we consider three more occasions when Jesus prayed.
5. To maintain focus – ‘And as he was praying, his face began to shine, and his clothes became dazzling white and blazed with light’ (Luke 9:29 TLB)
The previous time we studied Jesus praying, Peter received the revelation about who Jesus really was, the Christ of God. Now, on the mountain of Transfiguration, he sees something he will never forget. As Jesus prayed, His face began to shine like the sun and His robe became ultra-white and glistening. The divine Jesus radiated glorious light out of His human body.
A. Focus on the Mission – ‘Then two men appeared and began talking with him—Moses and Elijah! They were splendid in appearance, glorious to see; and they were speaking of his death at Jerusalem, to be carried out in accordance with God’s plan’ (v30-31).
Moses and Elijah could have spent their time with Jesus talking about the miracles and deliverances He had performed. Instead, they spoke about His imminent death in Jerusalem, for that was the real reason He came into our world, to be the Lamb that would take away the sins of the world. The Bible says, ‘He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem’ (v51). Nothing would move Him off course, all because He prayed.
B. Focus on the Messiah
The three disciples would have been amazed to see Moses and Elijah, but the moment Peter suggested making three tents for them and Jesus, they disappeared and a voice said, ‘This is My beloved Son. Hear Him’ (v35). The world tries to reduce Jesus to the same level as other religious leaders, but the church must worship Him for who He is. The Bible says, ‘Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith’ (Hebrews 12:2). Praying churches and Christians rarely have a problem seeing Jesus where He is, high and lifted up!
6. For Instruction – ‘Once Jesus was in a certain place praying. As he finished, one of his disciples came to him and said, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples’ (Luke 11:1 NLT).
A. The disciples wanted to pray like Jesus
I attended Bible College for one year. When I left, I had been trained to prepare sermons and preach, but also how to pray. Listening to how the principal prayed made me want to imitate him. When and how Jesus prayed created desire in the apostles to do the same.
B. Jesus gave them principles to use when praying
He did not give them a prayer to pray parrot-fashion. Nowhere else in the Bible is this prayer repeated. Jesus gave them a structure or basis on which to bring their prayers to God.
(i) Our Father – we pray to the Father through the Son, based on our relationship.
(ii) Hallowed be your name – the names of God are to be revered, especially the name of Jesus, which is used as a swear word by so many.
(iii) Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven – we will study later in this teaching when Jesus prayed, ‘Not my will but yours be done’ (Luke 22:42). True prayer challenges selfishness and wanting my will to be done.
(iv) Give us day by day our daily bread – so many think they cannot pray for their own needs, only the needs of others. We can pray each day for what we need that day.
(v) And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us – forgiving others is essential when asking God to forgive us. That’s why the Bible says, ‘Whenever you pray, forgive anything you have against anyone. Then your Father in heaven will forgive your failures’ (Mark 11:25 GW).
(vi) And do not lead us into temptation but deliver us from the evil one – God will not allow us to be tested beyond what we are able to endure. The devil doesn’t have a free hand against us, as he found out when trying to attack Job.
(vii) For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen – If we acknowledge that God does the work on our behalf, we will have no problem giving Him all the glory.
C. Jesus reinforced these prayer principles with two parables
(i) The friend who comes at midnight (Luke 11:5-8)
(ii) Keep on asking, seeking and knocking (Luke 11:9-13)
Persistence will certainly pay off when it comes to prayer. If God’s promise says you can have it, keep praying until you receive.
7. For Consecration – ‘Not My will but yours be done’ (Luke 22:40-44)
A. There are some trials God can keep us from – ‘If it is Your will, take this cup away from Me’
Several times the religious authorities tried to arrest Jesus, but it wasn’t the right time, so He escaped. Not every day has to be a battle. Enjoy the days of God’s blessing and peace. If we can avoid trouble rejoice but be ready because the next time may be the trial!
B. God’s will must take precedent over ours – ‘Not My will be done but yours’
‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’ (Matthew 6:33). The problem is we often seek things rather than God’s will. Jesus said, ‘No man can serve two masters’ (Matthew 6:24). Both our born-again spirit and our flesh want to rule.
C. When you need divine strength to do God’s will, you will receive it – ‘Then an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him’
The Bible says we can be, ‘Strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man’ (Ephesians 3:16).
D. Don’t condemn those who stop praying and fall asleep
Although Jesus told His disciples off for sleeping, He didn’t condemn them. They would feel bad enough later witnessing His arrest, trial and crucifixion. But those same disciples would one day face death themselves without any fear because Jesus is the resurrection and the life!
Prayer principles that Jesus practised. They worked for Him and they will work for us, but only if they become part of our lifestyle.
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