The Solitude and Silence of Jesus – Seven Examples
There is great value in seeking silence and solitude in our lives. In this fast paced world – it is not uncommon for most of us to miss tranquil times of quiet. Many of us always seem to be in a rush. I do not know if you realize this or not, but Jesus used silence and solitude quite a bit during His life and ministry. He did not get away by Himself just get away from people - but He used silence and solitude as a means of getting closer to God and minister more effectively to people. He knew that He needed to maintain a close relationship with God – if He wanted to be effective in His ministry. He wanted a close relationship with the father. He wanted to hear God whisper. He wanted to hear that “still small voice” of The Father speak to Him. So – He sought solitude and silence – so that He could hear God’s voice clearer. Here are some times and places we find Jesus in solitude:
*Solitude at the beginning of ministry
At the beginning of Jesus’ ministry the scripture tells us:
“Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” Matthew 4:1-2 (NKJV)
If you recall – this event took place right after the baptism of Jesus where the heavens opened and a voice came from heaven saying, “This is my beloved son – in whom I am well pleased.” Jesus then seeks solitude and silence – and in the process He is tempted by Satan.
Folks, I would never advise anyone to go out and try to pick a fight with Satan. I do not think that it would be a good idea. However, I also believe that there are times when Satan will try to pick a fight with you. Silence and solitude – your quiet time with God – will help you resist Satan.
Do you recall how Jesus resisted Satan? Do you remember? Jesus resisted Satan by the use of scripture. Where did Jesus learn scripture and its application? From the study of the scriptures and quiet time with God. Nothing can substitute in your spiritual growth – for your quiet time with God. God wants to have a relationship with you – and that relationship is enhanced by the time you spend with Him. Seek solitude and silence – in building a relationship with your Heavenly Father.
*Solitude before making important decisions
The second example of the silence and solitude of Jesus is right before He goes out and chooses the twelve apostles. Follow along with me as I read from Luke chapter six:
“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” Luke 6:12-13 (NKJV)
It is never a bad idea to pray before making major decisions in your life – Jesus did! Jesus sought silence and solitude with the Father before He made the decision of the choosing of the twelve.
Next:
*Solitude at the death of a close friend
You recall the story of John the Baptist – let me read a portion of it now:
“He (Herod) sent and had John beheaded in the prison. And his head was brought on a platter and given to the girl, and she brought it to her mother. His disciples came and took away the body and buried it; and they went and reported to Jesus. Now when Jesus heard about John, He withdrew from there in a boat to a secluded place by Himself.” Matthew 14:10-13a (NASV)
At the hearing of the news about the death of John the Baptist – Jesus sought solitude and silence. Folks the storms of death will more than likely touch each and every one of our lives. For many of us – it has already happen. A parent – a grandparent – a sibling – a spouse – a friend – can be touched by death – and it is times like those that we may need to seek silence and solitude with our Father in heaven. We need His strength and support as we travel through “the valley of the shadow death.” I know this was true of Jesus and I know that these times seek the Father too.
*Solitude at the pressure of popularity
Another incident takes place shortly after the death of John the Baptist. In fact it is found in the same chapter. It seems that Jesus popularity kept growing and so did the demands of the crowds. Follow along with me as I read Matthew chapter fourteen and verse twenty three:
“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.” Matthew 14:23 (NASV)
Folks, popularity has its pressure.
On July 7, 2009 a private service was held at Forest Lawn cemetery at 8 a.m. for Michael Jackson also called the “King of Pop”. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) blocked all traffic as the motorcade proceeded from Forest Lawn to the Staples Center where the public memorial ceremony was to be held. The LAPD spent over a million dollars providing police protection for the event. Literally millions of people from around the world have been exposed to the news of Michael Jackson’s death. Today – because of his popularity – Michael Jackson’s burial site remains a mystery. Popularity has its pressure.
The scripture tells us that - “After he (Jesus) had sent the crowds away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray; and when it was evening, He was there alone.” Folks with great popularity comes great pressures. Jesus dealt with popularity by seeking silence and solitude with the Father.
Also:
* Solitude at the daily demands of life
As the popularity of Jesus increased – so did the demands placed upon Him. In Luke chapter five Jesus heals a man who was “full of leprosy”, and warns him not to tell anyone of the healing. Follow along as I read the next passage:
“However, the report went around concerning Him all the more; and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by Him of their infirmities. So He Himself often withdrew into the wilderness and prayed.” Luke 5:15-16 (NKJV)
Daily demands can drain us. The fast pace world in which we live – has pressures too. There are times we all need to seek silence and solitude to help us recharge our batteries for the challenges that may lie right around the corner. Daily pressures can take a toll on us. I know that Jesus sought solitude because of the demands on His life. Perhaps we should too.
*Solitude before significant events
Jesus came as servant. He came humbly – born to humble parents. Yet in one instance in His life before the resurrection – His glory was revealed – that instance is the transfiguration of Jesus on the mountain. The scripture tells us:
“Now after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, led them up on a high mountain by themselves; and He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him.” Matthew 17:1-3 (NKJV)
In one instance Jesus was transfigured before Peter, James and John. His face shown like the sun – His clothes became white as light. And what happened before the transfiguration? Jesus sought solitude with three of His disciples and with His heavenly Father. In the process the glory of Jesus is revealed. Bible scholar Warren Wiersbe says:
“The transfiguration of Christ is one of the key events in His earthly ministry. This was the only time His glory, veiled in human flesh, was allowed to shine forth. “Transfigure” is the same as our English word metamorphosis and means “a change from within.” This glory was not the reflection of outward light; it was the revelation of inward glory.”
The glory of Christ was revealed at the transfiguration. Before the transfiguration Jesus sought silence and solitude.
And:
*Solitude before facing death
Jesus knew the purpose for which He had come and that was to give His life a ransom for many. He knew that there would be an arrest, a trial and an execution. He knew what the future held for Him – so He took a group of His disciples and went to a quiet place for solitude and silence. The scripture tells us in Matthew chapter twenty six:
“Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there." Matthew 26:36 (NKJV)
Folks, none of us know when we are going to die. We really don’t know for sure what tomorrow holds. You may be going through good times right now – or hard times. You may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death – or walking on cloud nine. You may have your plans for the future all planned out – or you may be living one day at a time. But the most important thing you can do is build a relationship with God. Follow along with me as I read from Ecclesiastes:
“To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven: A time to be born, And a time to die; A time to plant, And a time to pluck what is planted; A time to kill, And a time to heal; A time to break down, And a time to build up; A time to weep, And a time to laugh; A time to mourn, And a time to dance; A time to cast away stones, And a time to gather stones; A time to embrace, And a time to refrain from embracing; A time to gain, And a time to lose; A time to keep, And a time to throw away; A time to tear, And a time to sew; A time to keep silence, And a time to speak; A time to love, And a time to hate; A time of war, And a time of peace.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (NKJV)
Do you know how I interpret this passage of scripture? Here is how I interpret it. Life is full of stuff. Sometimes it’s good stuff. Sometimes it’s bad stuff. But in all likelihood – you are going to experience both the good and the bad. My question to you is – will you be ready? Have you built a relationship with God that will help you withstand the storms of life? Have you built a relationship with God that will give you strength when you need it? Jesus used silence and solitude as a means of helping Him be ready for whatever was to come His way. Let me give you three benefits of solitude:
THREE BENEFITS OF SOLITUDE
I. We will gain greater STRENGTH from God
Look at what Psalm chapter thirty four says:
“I sought the Lord, and He heard me, And delivered me from all my fears.” Psalms 34:4 (NKJV)
Psalm chapter thirty seven says;
“The Lord is the saviour of the upright: he is their strength in the time of trouble.” Psalms 37:39 (BBE)
I don’t know about you – but when times of trouble come in my life – I want to have as much strength as possible. Solitude – a quiet time alone with God will help strengthen you.
Second:
II. We will gain a greater TRUST in God
Proverbs chapter three tells us:
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5 (NASV)
I have found in my own life – the more time I spend with God – the more I trust Him. He has always been faithful to me – even though I have not always been faithful to Him. I have learned to trust Him.
In every relationship I believe a certain amount of trust is given. As a person is proven to be trustworthy – more trust is given. I can tell you this – God has never let me down. I may not have always agreed with His methods – but I have never been disappointed with His faithfulness. Spending quality time alone with God in solitude has built my faith and trust in Him.
Third:
III. We will develop a deeper RELATIONSHIP with God
Setting aside time to be alone with God – quality time with God – will deepen your relationship with Him. God has always been a God of invitation. He always invites us to get closer to Him. Look at Isaiah chapter one:
"Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV)
Matthew chapter eleven in the Message Bible says:
"Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” Matthew 11:28 (MSG)
Or what about Revelation chapter three:
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Revelation 3:20 (KJV)
Have you heard God’s invitation to you? Have you answered it? Have you heard Him say, “Come away with Me. Visit with Me. Lets get away for awhile. Meet me in solitude – so we can be together – alone.” Seek Him today. Set some time aside to be alone with Him. He would like that – and I think – you would too.
