Monday Devo
Scripture Reading:
Luke 5:15-16
15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
15 But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. 16 But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.
Commentary from the ESV Study Bible:
5:15 now even more. Jesus’ fame spreads (see 4:37). to hear him and to be healed. Luke places Jesus’ preaching ministry before his healing ministry (cf. 6:18).
5:16 But he would withdraw … and pray. The Greek construction indicates a continual practice and could also be translated “was regularly withdrawing and praying” (Gk. imperfect verb plus two present participles). The increasing crowds, the unceasing demands on Jesus’ time, and the fact that no one else could duplicate his ministry did not deter Jesus from spending extensive times in prayer.
5:16 But he would withdraw … and pray. The Greek construction indicates a continual practice and could also be translated “was regularly withdrawing and praying” (Gk. imperfect verb plus two present participles). The increasing crowds, the unceasing demands on Jesus’ time, and the fact that no one else could duplicate his ministry did not deter Jesus from spending extensive times in prayer.
Study Questions:
- So far in the book of Luke, he has been painting a clear picture for us about what was most important to Jesus. He's basically mentoring us! Any wise person will tell you that, as a follower of Jesus, we all need spiritual mentors. This would be someone of the same sex that is probably older than you, definitely more spiritually mature than you, that you can start an intentional relationship with for the purpose of spiritual growth and maturity. Do you have a relationship like this? If so, how has it benefited you? If not, is there someone in your life that fits this criteria that you could ask to mentor you?
- One thing was for sure, Luke wanted us to know that Jesus valued prayer. He prayed all the time. He made it a priority. He "often" withdrew to pray. If Jesus, who was God in a body, thought it was important to take time out of his day to pray, don't you think you should as well? How much of a priority do you put on your prayer life? Could that be an area you should invest in starting this new year?
Pray:
- That you would seek out mentor relationships.
- That you would make prayer a priority like Jesus did.
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