Comment on a Lectionary Reading: Matthew 14.22–33

Immediately He made the disciples get into the boat and go ahead of Him to the other side, while He sent the crowds away. After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone. But the boat was already a long distance from the land, battered by the waves; for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified, and said, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” Peter said to Him, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” And He said, “Come!” And Peter got out of the boat, and walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But seeing the wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, “Lord, save me!” Immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and took hold of him, and said to him, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” When they got into the boat, the wind stopped. And those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, “You are certainly God’s Son!” Matthew 14.22–33

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This week I’d like to comment on a sentence that you might have read too quickly and not noticed.

After He had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray...

So, Jesus went off by Himself to pray. I wonder what He prayed about. Wouldn’t it be interesting to know. Well, the text doesn’t tell us what He prayed about in this situation, but the Bible is pretty clear about what Jesus prayed about at other times. Let’s consider some of them.

Jesus prayed when He was going to choose twelve apostles from all those disciples who were following Him.

It was at this time that He went off to the mountain to pray, and He spent the whole night in prayer to God. And when day came, He called His disciples to Him and chose twelve of them, whom He also named as apostles: Luke 6:12–13

So, Jesus prayed about big decisions.

Jesus prayed for Peter so that he could help his fellow apostles.

Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers. Luke 22:31–32

So, Jesus prayed about the needs of others.

Jesus prayed about what God was doing in His ministry.

At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and intelligent and have revealed them to infants.”  Matthew 11:25

So, Jesus gave thanks to God.

Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane.

Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will. Mark 14:3

So, Jesus appealed to the Father in a very hard situation.

On the Cross Jesus uttered a prayer of anguish.

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? Psalm 22:1

So, Jesus prayed honest prayers.

On the Cross He offered a prayer of trust.

Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Luke 23:46

So, Jesus trusted the Father in hard situations.

Out of this comes a question. If Jesus prayed about such things, shouldn’t you?