Jesus was a man of the people. He spent time with all kinds of individuals, conversing with tax collectors, fishermen, Pharisees, men, women, and children. In addition, he appointed twelve apostles “that they might be with him” (Mk. 3:14). And he lived with these twelve guys, walking dusty roads with them, eating with them, taking boat trips with them, and teaching them. Finally, Jesus was popular so he frequently had large crowds following him, even pressing in on him.
But Jesus was also a man of solitude. His ministry begins with 40 days of seclusion in the wilderness. Mark writes, “he was with the wild animals, and angels attended him” (1:13). What did he hear out there? Crickets, literally crickets. No human conversation for six weeks. Imagine the rocks and dirt and sound of wild animals at night. Imagine the chill in the dark and heat in the day. Imagine his clear view of the stars before falling asleep. What was he doing out there? Since he was fasting we know he wasn’t looking for food. Most likely his daily wilderness routine included walking, praying, sitting, and appreciating nature.
After returning from the wilderness, he went to Capernaum, where he healed many. But the next day, “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” (1:35). Likewise, after feeding the 5,000, he made his disciples take a boat to the other side of the lake, then dismissed the crowd, and “went up a mountainside to pray,” where he was “alone” (6:46-47). And before choosing his disciples, “Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (Lk. 6:12). These are not exceptional examples: “Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed” (Lk. 5:16).
Even when he was with his disciples he went away from them to pray. While on the Mount of Olives, “He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed” (Lk. 22:41). A “stone’s throw” doesn’t give us a precise measurement, but it shows that he put distance between himself and his followers. This habit of private prayer corresponds with Jesus’ teaching: “when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt. 6:6).
Jesus was with people, all kinds of people.
But Jesus was also alone praying to his Father.
What does this mean for us?
A well-rounded and spiritually healthy person is comfortable in the company of others and comfortable being alone. Problems arise when we do not keep a good balance of the two. For example, it’s easy to feel burned out when we are constantly with others.
Also, if Jesus, with all of his fame, found time to be alone and pray, shouldn’t we be able to do the same? Of course, technology has advanced so we must also disconnect from our devices to really be alone, but the pattern remains the same—connect deeply with people, then disconnect to pray.
After graduating from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, I served as a high school Bible teacher in Asia. I enjoy traveling, writing, and playing the drums. For a deep dive into church history and the character of God, see my book Surprised by Hell.
Good one.