Why did Jesus pray to God IF HE IS GOD? Understand (BIBLE STORIES)
Summary
TLDRJesus's prayers reveal his humanity, submission to God's will, and role as mediator between God and man. As the Son of God, Jesus prayed to connect intimately with God the Father, teach others about prayer, express human emotions, and fulfill his mission. His prayers displayed complete trust and reliance on God amidst challenges. Jesus also interceded for his followers, seeking their protection and unity. His prayer life sets an example for developing a deep personal relationship with God where we bring our needs and burdens, while submitting to God's greater plan.
Takeaways
- ๐ Jesus is fully God and fully human, allowing him to do divine things but also experience life as we do
- ๐ Jesus' prayers showed his dependence on and trust in God the Father, even when facing difficulties
- ๐ Prayer was essential for Jesus to stay connected to the Father, not just to ask for things
- โ๏ธ Jesus' perfect, righteous life allows his goodness to be credited to us when we have faith in him
- ๐ Jesus used solitary prayer to seek guidance from God before making major decisions
- ๐ผ Jesus' prayers expressed the full range of human emotions and needs
- ๐ค As our mediator, Jesus bridges the gap between God and humans caused by our sins
- ๐โโ๏ธ Jesus prayed for the protection and unity of his followers then and in the future
- ๐ช Jesus received strength from an angel after intense prayer before his crucifixion
- ๐ฃ Jesus' miracles aimed to glorify the Father, not himself
Q & A
Why did Jesus, who is God, need to pray?
-Jesus prayed to show his dependence on and submission to God the Father, to set an example for us to follow, and to embrace his human nature fully.
What does the Trinity refer to in Christianity?
-The Trinity refers to one God existing eternally as three distinct persons - God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.
How do Jesus's prayers reveal his relationship with God the Father?
-Jesus's prayers showed his trust in, dependence on, and submission to the will of God the Father, even through immense challenges.
What was the purpose of Jesus spending the whole night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples?
-Jesus spent the whole night in prayer before choosing the twelve disciples to seek God's guidance and wisdom in selecting the right team for his important mission.
How did Jesus's prayer before raising Lazarus glorify God?
-Before raising Lazarus, Jesus first thanked God publicly, attributing the miracle to God's power and glorifying Him rather than showcasing his own abilities.
What does Jesus's prayer in John 17 tell us about his care and concern for his followers?
-In John 17, Jesus prays for the protection, joy, and unity of his current and future disciples, showing his deep care and concern for all who would believe in him.
What is the role of Jesus as mediator between God and humans?
-As mediator, Jesus bridges the gap between sinful humanity and holy God, having paid the price for sins through his sacrifice so we can have direct access to God.
How was prayer a means for Jesus to fulfill his earthly mission?
-Prayer strengthened and guided Jesus to fulfill his mission through challenges, make important decisions about his team and work, and glorify God rather than himself.
What example has Jesus set for us through his life of prayer?
-Jesus's example of consistent, humble, trusting prayer invites us into a closer walk with God where we depend on Him in all circumstances.
How can we apply Jesus's prayer life to our own relationship with God?
-We can follow Jesus's example by praying earnestly, expressing our needs and gratitude, submitting to God's will even amidst trials, and seeking intimacy with God daily.
Outlines
๐ฎ Why Jesus, who is God, prayed to God
This paragraph explains that Jesus prayed to God even though he is God himself. It explores Jesus's dual nature - fully divine as part of the Trinity, yet fully human. His prayers displayed his submission to God's will and dependence on God's wisdom and strength amidst challenges.
๐ข Jesus expressed human emotions through heartfelt prayer
This paragraph shows how Jesus expressed deeply human emotions like overwhelming sorrow and anguish through passionate, tearful prayers. He sought strength, guidance and support from God when facing difficult decisions or his impending crucifixion.
๐ Jesus lived the perfect human life in total obedience to God
This paragraph explains how Jesus lived a flawless human life in complete alignment to God's will, through reverent submission even unto death. His perfect obedience is significant because it offers humanity righteousness and redemption.
๐ Prayer was Jesus's lifeline to the Father
This paragraph conveys how vital prayer was in Jesus's life - his way of staying intimately connected with God. Key events and miracles were often preceded by Jesus praying, showing his trust in and dependence on the Father.
๐ค Jesus interceded for us before the Father
This paragraph shows Jesus praying specially for his followers then and in the future, asking God to protect, unify and sustain them. As mediator between God and man, Jesus continues interceding for us so we can have a personal relationship with God.
Mindmap
Keywords
๐กTrinity
๐กIncarnation
๐กDivine Nature
๐กHumanity
๐กIntercessory Prayer
๐กMediator
๐กSubmission to God's Will
๐กPrayer as Relationship
๐กObedience
๐กPerfect Life
Highlights
Jesus is fully God and fully human, which helps explain how he could do incredible things but also experience life as we do.
Jesus' prayers showed his complete trust and reliance on God the Father for guidance, wisdom and strength.
Prayer for Jesus was about maintaining an unbreakable connection with God, like the bond between a parent and child.
Jesus used prayer to seek strength before major tasks, make important decisions, and give glory to God before miracles.
Jesus lived a perfect human life in complete obedience and submission to God, fulfilling all righteousness on our behalf.
Jesus took the test of life and passed with honors on our behalf so that through faith in him, we are credited with his perfect score.
Prayer for Jesus was as essential as breathing - a lifeline maintaining his connection and relationship with God.
Jesus prayed passionately in Gethsemane, showing it's okay for us to bring our deepest fears and struggles honestly before God.
Jesus taught his disciples how to pray by giving them the Lord's Prayer as a model for dependence on and trust in God.
Jesus prayed for the protection, joy and unity of his followers, showing his care and intercession on behalf of all believers.
As mediator between God and man, Jesus bridges the gap caused by human sin, resolving the separation through his sacrifice.
Jesus prayed before major feats like choosing disciples and raising Lazarus to showcase God's power, not his own abilities.
Like Jesus, we should pray before big decisions, to accomplish great things, and to give thanks and credit to God.
Jesus' example invites us into the sacred space of prayer and communion with God, where we can find guidance and solace.
In prayer we can express our deepest needs and gratitude, following Jesus' example of humble dependence on the Father.
Transcripts
why did Jesus pray to God if he is God
when we read the gospels we see Jesus
often retreating to pray for example in
the Book of Luke it is told but he would
withdraw to desolate places and pray
Luke
5:16 if Jesus Is God wouldn't he be
engaging in a conversation with himself
it's a fair and curious question that
invites us to explore the depths of
Jesus's humanity and divine nature there
is one one God who exists eternally as
three distinct persons the Father the
Son and the Holy Spirit this does not
mean there are three Gods but rather one
God in three persons just as water can
be ice liquid or vapor and still be
water God is Father Son and Holy Spirit
and yet one God but the helper the Holy
Spirit whom the father will send in my
name he will teach you all things and
bring to your remembrance all that I
have said to you John
14:26 here Jesus speaks of the Holy
Spirit as a distinct person yet sent by
the father and acting in Jesus's name
showing the unity and distinct roles
within the Trinity now within this
understanding arises a question that has
puzzled many if Jesus Is God as part of
the Trinity why did he need to pray this
question goes to the heart of Jesus's
Earthly Ministry and Mission Jesus fully
God and fully Man spent time in prayer
let's look at how his prayers reveal his
relationship with the father fulfill his
role on Earth and teach us about the
nature of communication with God join us
as we seek to understand the beautiful
complexity of Jesus's prayers and what
they mean for our own spiritual lives
the nature of Jesus Jesus is someone
extraordinary and unique because he is
both God and a person like us at the
same time this means Jesus is one 100%
God he can do things only God can do
like special Miracles and uniquely
rescuing people but he is also 100%
human he felt hunger pain and died it's
like having two complete sets of
everything in one person imagine having
all superpowers but also living as a
regular person going through everything
we go through except he never did
anything wrong we believe in this
because it helps to understand how Jesus
could do incredible things but also know
what it is to be a person the nature of
Jesus is one of the central Mysteries of
the faith it's by understanding both his
divinity and Humanity that he
accomplished through his life death and
Resurrection Jesus showed us the best
way to talk and live with God dependence
on the father Jesus lived in a way that
showed us he did nothing on his own
initiative he said truly truly I say to
you the son can do nothing of his own
accord but only what he sees the father
doing for whatever the father does that
the son does likewise John 5: 19 this
means Jesus waited for God to show him
the way before doing anything it's like
a child observes and learns from his
father and doesn't try to do things on
his own and when things got really tough
just before being taken to the Cross
Jesus prayed intensely he said father if
you are willing remove this cup from me
nevertheless not my will but yours be
done Luke
22:42 this shows he trusted in God's
plan more than his own feelings even
when he was afraid another purpose of
Jesus's prayers was to teach the
disciples to pray Jesus didn't keep his
prayer life a secret he shared it with
his friends the disciples one day they
asked him to teach them to pray he said
when you pray say father Hallowed Be
Your Name Your Kingdom come give us each
day our daily bread forgive us our sins
for we ourselves forgive everyone who is
indebted to us and lead us not into
temptation Luke 11: 1 to4 in this simple
prayer known as The Lord's Prayer Jesus
showed them that praying is talking to
God about everything saying his name is
special asking for what we need asking
for forgiveness for the mistakes we make
and asking for help to live rightly in
this way Jesus's prayers are a perfect
guide for us on how to live close to God
talk to him about everything and trust
him with our lives another purpose of
Jesus's prayers was the expression of
human emotion and need Jesus showed us
that he experienced human emotions and
needs just like any of us here are some
ways he expressed those very human
traits sadness and anguish in a garden
called Gethsemane which is like a quiet
Park full of olive trees Jesus felt a
very deep sadness the kind you feel when
your heart is so heavy it's hard to
carry the Bible says then he said to
them my soul is overwhelmed with sorrow
to the point of death stay here and keep
watch with me Matthew
26:38 imagine Jesus known for healing
and helping others now overwhelmed with
a sadness so deep he said it could
nearly kill him he went a little farther
into the Garden Fell with his face to
the ground in prayer to God and said my
father if it is possible may this cup be
taken from me yet not as I will but as
you will Matthew
26:39 this cup he spoke of was like a
symbol for the difficult task he knew he
had to do die on the cross he didn't
want to suffer but he was willing to do
what God wanted seeking strength and
guidance in another part of the Bible
Luke 6:
12-13 shows Jesus seeking strength and
counsel it says in those days he went
out to the the mountain to pray and he
spent the night in prayer to God and
when day came he called his disciples
and chose 12 of them whom he also named
Apostles before making a big decision
choosing his 12 closest friends who
would help him share his teachings Jesus
spent the entire night talking with God
it wasn't just a quick chat but hours
asking for help and guidance by praying
all night Jesus showed that he too
needed support wisdom and strength and
he found that by connecting deeply with
God these stories remind us that Jesus
was not just a spiritual figure but also
a person who felt Deep Emotions and had
needs like any other person he felt
overwhelming sadness and sought quiet
places for guidance showing it's okay
for us to do the same when we're facing
tough times or important decisions
fulfilling human righteousness living
the perfect human life we cannot
when we delve into the stories and
teachings of the Bible we discover that
Jesus did not just live an exemplary
life he lived the perfect human life
fulfilling all righteousness this means
he lived in complete obedience and
submission to God his father something
we find difficult to do every day the
Bible tells us in the book of Hebrews
during the days of Jesus's life on Earth
he offered up prayers and petitions with
fervent cries and tears to the one who
could save him from death and he was
heard because of his reverent submission
although he was a son he learned
obedience from what he suffered Hebrews
5: 7 to8 that is how Jesus even being
the Son of God learned to obey through
the things he suffered his prayers were
not just Whispers In The Silence but
passionate pleas filled with real tears
yet he always obeyed no matter the cost
Philippians 2:8 adds another layer to
this by saying and being found in
appearance as a man he humbled himself
by becoming obedient to death even death
on a cross Jesus didn't just obey when
it was easy he obeyed to the point of
dying a painful and humiliating death on
the cross his life wasn't a series of
easy choices it was a constant
submission to God's will even when that
will led him to the Cross what is truly
remarkable about Jesus's life is that he
was fully human like us with the same
feelings the same Temptations and the
same pains however unlike us he never
failed in his obedience and submission
every action every word and every
thought were in perfect alignment with
what God wanted he didn't live for
himself but for God and for us Jesus's
perfect life is significant because he
did something extraordinary for us where
we failed to be righteous his life
offers us the chance to be seen as
righteous before God it's as if he took
the test of life and passed with honors
on behalf of humanity so when we believe
in him it's as if his perfect score is
credited to our record imagine trying to
follow a recipe perfectly without making
a single mistake for us that's
impossible we might mix the wrong
ingredients or measure incorrectly or
overcook the meal but Jesus in the
kitchen of Life followed God's recipe
without error he lived the life we
should live and offered us the reward as
if we were the ones by understanding
Jesus's perfect obedience and submission
we can appreciate the Incredible Gift
that is offered to us through faith in
him it's a gift that encourages us not
because we can earn it but because it is
freely given a testimony to the perfect
life he lived on our behalf the
importance of prayer in Jesus's life in
Jesus's life prayer was not just
something he did out of religious Duty
or as a public display it was natural
and essential as breathing a Lifeline to
his father maintaining communion with
the father for Jesus praying was about
staying connected it was like the
unbreakable bond between a child and a
parent even though he was the son of God
he still talked to God showing that he
depended on that connection for strength
and guidance this tells us something
powerful about prayer it's not about
asking for things it's about keeping our
relationship with God fresh and Alive
look what happened right after Jesus was
baptized and as he was praying heaven
was opened Luke
3:21 at that moment Heaven itself seemed
to open affirming this deep relationship
Jesus was in constant contact with his
father and it was during these
conversations that some incredible
things happened decisions were made
strength was given
and love was shared an act of love and
Trust within the Trinity prayer was also
an act of love and Trust within the
Trinity Father Son and Holy Spirit Jesus
being God expressed his trust in the
father through prayer for example when
he was about to raise Lazarus from the
dead he said father I thank you that you
have heard me I knew that you always
hear me John 11:
41-42 the Thanksgiving was not for show
it was the son talking to the father
confident that he was heard an intimate
exchange of trust and love this shows us
the heart of prayer it's about trust
when we pray we are entering into that
Circle of Love and trust that exists
since before time we are telling God I
depend on you I trust you just as Jesus
did finally prayer was how Jesus fully
embraced Being Human the Incarnation is
a fancy word for God Bec coming man in
Jesus this wasn't just God wearing a
human suit he became fully one of us and
part of being human is acknowledging
that we are not all powerful we need
help we need God Jesus showed this when
life got tough before he was arrested he
went to pray in a garden called
Gethsemane he was deeply troubled about
what he was about to face death on the
cross he prayed father if you are
willing take this cup from me yet not my
will but yours be done Luke
22:42 here he was struggling showing us
it's okay to bring our deepest fears to
God but also showing us that in the end
prayer is about saying God I trust your
way more than mine thus prayer in
Jesus's life was his way of staying
close to God showing trust and love
within the family of God and fully
living his human life with all its highs
and lows when we pray we are following
in Jesus's footsteps getting to know God
up close and personally trusting him
with our lives and embracing what it
means to be truly human just as Jesus
did the intercessory role of Christ
Jesus praying for others specifically in
the Book of John 17: 9-23 we find a
truly touching moment when Jesus called
the Son of God speaks to his father on
behalf of his friends which includes not
just the disciples with him at that
moment but all of us who would believe
in him he prays for their protection
their Joy their unity and that they
would be set apart and pure in the truth
of God's word Jesus says I pray for them
I am not praying for the world but for
those you have given me for they are
yours John
17:9 this shows us that Jesus had a
special concern for his followers he
knew the challenges they would face in
the world and ask God to take care of
them but he doesn't stop there he also
prays for all people who would believe
in him through the disciples message my
prayer is not for them alone I pray also
for those who will believe in me through
their message John
17:20 this means Jesus thought of each
one of us a long time ago he asked his
father that we all may be one just as he
and the father are one it's as if he
wanted everyone to be part of the same
family united working together in love
the role of Jesus as mediator between
God and humans in another part of the
Bible in the first letter Paul writes to
Timothy 2:5 we get a clear explanation
of a great work that Jesus has it says
for there is one God and one mediator
between God and Mankind the man Christ
Jesus 1 Timothy
2:5 now a mediator is like a bridge or
someone who stands in the middle to help
two other people understand each other
and resolve things before Jesus people
were separated from God because of their
mistakes or sins Jesus came to bridge
that Gap he lived a perfect life then
died for our sins and rose again showing
he has power over sin and death by doing
this he became the only intermediary
between us and God when we ER or do
things we shouldn't Jesus is there to
speak with God on our behalf it's as if
he's saying I've already resolved this
father I paid the price for their
mistakes this this is something
incredible because it means we can go
directly to God through Jesus we don't
need another person or thing to speak to
God for us Jesus is our direct line to
him when we pray we can pray in Jesus's
name and he will speak for us ensuring
we remain connected with God so in
simple terms Jesus deeply cares about us
to the extent of speaking with God about
our needs our protection and our Unity
with each other and with him as our
mediator he is the reason we can have a
personal relationship with God he stands
in the middle ensuring that despite our
flaws we can still be close to God
prayer as a means to fulfill his mission
prayer is like a secret meeting place
where we sit with God to talk about
everything in our hearts including the
great work he has for us it's where we
get the strength to do things that seem
too big for us choose the right friends
to help us and even do incredible things
that show everyone how great God
is strengthening for tasks imagine being
so stressed and worried that you sweat
as if it were raining from your forehead
that's how Jesus felt one night he knew
he had to go through something super
difficult so what did he do he didn't
just try to be brave on his own he
prayed and when he did an angel from
heaven appeared to him and gave him
strength the Bible tells us this in Luke
22:43 three saying an angel from heaven
appeared to him and strengthened him
this shows us that when we have great
tasks to do we can pray like Jesus did
and God can send us help like a coach
giving a motivational talk to a player
about to score the winning goal choosing
disciples now choosing your team is
super important you want friends who
will be with you through thick and thin
Jesus had a big decision to make when
choosing his disciples
these were the men who would continue
his work after he left so he didn't just
pick any John or Bob he spent an entire
night talking with God about it the
Bible tells us in Luke 6:
12-13 one of those days Jesus went out
to a mountain side to pray and spent the
night praying to God when morning came
he called his disciples to him and chose
12 of them whom he also designated
Apostles Jesus's all nighter with God
was his way of making sure he had the
right team when we have big choices to
make like choosing our friends or
assembling a team we can hit the pause
button and talk to God about it just as
Jesus did glorifying the father through
Miracles then there are those times when
you need something huge to happen like a
real life Miracle when Jesus was about
to bring his friend Lazarus back from
the dead he didn't just snap his fingers
first he spoke to God he thanked God for
always listening to him which was like a
son giving thanks to his father for
always being there this is what he said
in John 11:
41-42 so they took away the stone then
Jesus looked up and said father I thank
you that you have heard me I knew that
you always hear me but I said this for
the benefit of the people standing here
that they may believe that you sent me
Jesus showed us that even when we're
about to do something incredible it's
not about showcasing Bing our abilities
but about showing God's goodness and
love he spoke with God first to make
clear that the incredible things about
to happen with thanks to God not just to
him therefore prayer is not merely about
requesting things it's about preparing
to accomplish significant Deeds making
wise decisions and attributing credit to
God for the incredible things he
accomplishes through us it's akin to a
superpower hotline that's perpetually
open regardless of the situation in our
quest to comprehend why Jesus
acknowledged as God prayed to God we've
unraveled some crucial points let's
summarize initially we delved into
Jesus's dual nature as fully Divine and
fully human understanding this Duality
is vital for grasping the reasons behind
his prayers as God Jesus represents the
second person of the Trinity yet as a
human he experienced the limitations of
humanity ity Philippians 2: 6-8 secondly
we explored the Trinity concept God the
Father God the son and God the Holy
Spirit three distinct entities yet one
in essence Jesus's communication with
God the Father exemplifies the perfect
relationship within the Divine John
10:30 the significance of Jesus's
prayers is profound they showcased his
trust in God the Father exemplifying Rel
Reliance on God's wisdom and strength
even amidst challenges his prayers such
as the one in the Garden of
Gethsemane father if you are willing
take this cup from me yet not my will
but yours be done Luke
22:42 illustrate his submission to God's
will offering insights into his mission
to redeem Humanity furthermore Jesus's
prayers provided an intimate view of his
ministry he prayed for his disciples and
all believer Bel seeking unity and
protection John 17:
20-23 this highlights his intercessory
role and reveals the depth of his love
and commitment to his mission I invite
you to reflect on Jesus's example and
Ponder the role of Prayer in your own
life Jesus frequently retreated to
solitary places to pray Luke
5:116 if Jesus the son of God felt the
need to pray how much more do we his
followers need to cultivate a life of
Prayer
his example is not merely a ritual to
emulate it's an invitation to foster a
personal relationship with God where we
can unload our burdens and seek guidance
and solace in the Tranquility of our
moments with God bear in mind that
prayer is a gift a dialogue and a peace
offering in which you're warmly invited
to partake reflecting on Jesus's life
consider how your prayer life aligns
with his example may his life inspire
you to earnestly seek God to listen and
to speak to request and to submit and
through this may you come to know the
profound love and presence of God in
your daily Journey let's pray Heavenly
Father we approach you in Humble
adoration acknowledging your infinite
wisdom and the depth of Your Love which
often transcends human comprehension as
we Ponder the life of Jesus your son and
our savior we find ourselves reflecting
on the mystery of his prayers to you
Lord we recognize that in Jesus's
prayers we see a perfect embodiment of
humility and dependence just as he
looked to you we too raise our eyes and
hearts in prayer seeking guidance
strength and a more intimate
relationship with you in moments when we
grapple with the complexities of the
Divine we ask for a simple childlike
faith that trusts in your goodness and
plan teach us oh God to mimic Jesus in
his prayerful demeanor recognizing izing
that even as God he engaged in communion
with you inviting us into this Sacred
Space of conversation and intimacy with
you through his example may we grasp the
significance of prayer as a means to
express our love our needs and our
gratitude in our day-to-day lives as we
encounter our own challenges and joys
let us remember Jesus's precedent that
in every instance be it Triumph or trial
we should turn to you in prayer just as
he did May his life remind us that in
our frailties we find your strength in
our inquiries we find your wisdom and in
our Solitude we discover your comforting
presence bless us with the peace that
comes from knowing you are always
accessible attentive to the whispered
yearnings of our hearts Empower us with
the same spirit that resided in Christ
Jesus so that in all situations we may
find The Bravery to say not my will but
yours be done in the Holy Name of Jesus
we pray
amen
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