Jesus practiced solitude on several occasions throughout his life and ministry. Here are some examples:
- After his baptism: After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, he spent 40 days in the wilderness, fasting and praying. This was a time of solitude and preparation for his public ministry.
- Before making important decisions: Before making important decisions, Jesus often withdrew to a solitary place to pray. For example, in Luke 6:12-13, it says, “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them.”
- After healing and preaching: After healing and preaching to crowds of people, Jesus would often withdraw to a quiet place to rest and pray. In Mark 1:35-37, it says, “Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: ‘Everyone is looking for you!'”
- During times of grief: When Jesus learned that his cousin John the Baptist had been executed, he withdrew to a solitary place to grieve and pray. In Matthew 14:13, it says, “When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.”
Jesus practiced solitude as a way to connect with God, prepare for important decisions, rest and recharge after ministry, and grieve during difficult times. These examples demonstrate the importance of solitude in Jesus’ life and ministry, and provide a model for Christians to follow.
Intentional Faith 