But the news about him spread even more, and large crowds would come together to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. Yet he often withdrew to deserted places and prayed.
There are people who seek fame and then complain when they never have time to themselves. Jesus was a man who became known by the things that He did, performing miracles, healing people, and large crowds would gather around Him. Jesus, in His humanity, would grow physically, and possibly spiritually, tired. By getting away to pray, Jesus was able to be strengthened and renewed.
Life can be busy as we participate in work, sports, music, ministry, or whatever we may fill our lives with daily. It is easy to forget time to get away alone. The people and activities can drain us, and unless we are intentional like Jesus was to get away alone and pray, then we will burn out and be ineffective.
I encourage you to follow the example of Jesus and to be intentional to find time to be alone with God.
Discussion Questions:
- What did Jesus do often when large crowds gathered around Him? He went to a deserted place to be alone and pray.
- Why should we get away from others to spend time with God in prayer? Because it strengthens us, and Jesus set the example.
- Where is some place that can go so you can be alone to pray?
End in prayer asking God to help you find time to be intentional to spend time together, but also alone, in prayer.
