Jesus goes to a lonely place Luke 4:42-44
Imaginative Contemplation
The people came looking for Jesus and they wanted him to stay with them. But Jesus had discerned otherwise.
Take a few moments of quiet and then try to enter into the scene.
Find Jesus sitting quietly alone. He invites you to sit with him.
You hear people coming towards you. Someone shouts ‘There he is!’ and the silence is shattered. Jesus stands up and goes to meet them. He does not seem to be annoyed at being disturbed.
The people tell him how much they need him; he speaks with authority, without disregarding the ordinary people. He heals their ailments, spiritual and physical. They praise him.
Jesus listens to them. He is not reacting to their praise. He tells them simply that he must go to other people as well as to them. God looks to the good of all people, not just the one race or group or country
Enter into the scene
After a busy day of preaching, teaching and healing, Jesus went off to a lonely place.
What do you think Jesus did in that ‘lonely place’?
Was he on the hillside, or near the lake?
What did the ground feel like as he walked upon it?
Were there night animals rustling in the bushes?
Was the moon shining? Or the stars?
Was the wind blowing gently? Or was there a blustery wind?
What was Jesus doing?
Can I sense a deep silence there?
What was Jesus’ prayer about?
For further reflection
Discuss with Jesus the following points:
· Do I need more quiet time in my life?
· How can I make time for quiet and rest?
· Do I have a favourite place for prayer and silence?
· Do I put aside time for quiet reflection each day?
Prayer
(Ask Jesus to let you come along with him.)
Lord, direct my thoughts, words and actions to your greater glory this day. Amen.