Jesus in Power and in Effective Prayer
And they were all amazed… And early in the morning, while it was still dark, he rose up and went out, and departed into a deserted place and prayed there. (Mark 1:27,35)
Our Lord Jesus Christ was quickly rising to fame in Galilee due to mighty words and mighty works. His captivating preaching and conspicuous power were celebrated and sought after. His hearers were amazed then, and even his readers today are amazed. The most valuable response could only arise from a clear appreciation that Jesus’ life was characterized with a balance of power illustrated and disciplined prayer. This reflection examines why he worked the wonders, and how he kept his ministry focus.
The visitations of Jesus Christ in synagogues or in homes were great blessings with sweet words and transforming miracles. Mark 1 records Jesus teaching in the synagogue, and thereafter defeating and casting out an unclean spirit; he then went to a friend’s home and powerfully ministered to the town that evening (v.21-34). These actions attested to the Lord’s teaching about the imminent kingdom of God. The evil spirit in the synagogue was seeing more than just a man in Jesus of Nazareth; it was seeing greater power that could expel and even destroy the powers of darkness. This is exactly what happened there at the evening ministry – Jesus cast out many demons. People should not only hear about but also see the evidence of the more powerful kingdom that Jesus Christ represents; therefore they should believe his words and put their faith in Him and thereby receive this kingdom – that is why He worked the wonders.
As to how the Lord kept his ministry focus and effectiveness, one verse is helpful, yet it is almost hidden in the more amazing events: “a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed” (v.35). Prayer is the crucial discipline that characterized the life of this busy man, giving him impetus to work. We are not informed of the exact time when he went out, but it was a great while before day, maybe at 3am or earlier. Many other places record Jesus in prayer, and in some instances he prays all night! The importance of prayer in daily life and especially in ministry cannot be overstated; if the Lord himself needed it, then how about us mere mortals? Prayer was the necessary fuel that kept the Lord’s ministry engine running effectively.
James, the Lord’s brother who later became Bishop of Jerusalem, left for us a letter in which he encourages us to worship and pray always (5:13-18). He used the example of Elijah to illustrate that the prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective; from the above analysis, Jesus is another potent example. From prayers of thanksgiving to petitions for healing, to intercessory prayers for our communities – the importance of this spiritual tool cannot be ever-emphasized. It is crutially important to us today, especially in order to keep an unwavering focus in our Master’s service.
God bless you all.