InstaStudy

The Man Jesus of Nazareth: The Messiah, the Son of the One True God, and His Consistent Prayer Life Throughout His Entire Earthly Ministry in the First Century CE.

This study explores the profound identity of Jesus as the one true God manifested in human flesh, the promised Messiah, and the Son of God. We will examine His exemplary and consistent prayer life, demonstrating His complete reliance on the Father within Him, and how His communion with God shaped His ministry, decisions, and ultimate sacrifice.

1. The Divine Identity of Jesus: The One True God Manifest in Flesh

1.1 Jesus as the Eternal God

Verses: Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1; John 10:30
  • Jesus is identified as the 'Everlasting Father' and the Word who was God.
  • He declared His unity with the Father, revealing the singular divine being.

1.2 The Son of God as God's Manifestation

Verses: John 14:9; Colossians 2:9; 1 Timothy 3:16
  • The 'Son' refers to God's manifestation in humanity, through whom the invisible God became visible.
  • All the fullness of the Godhead dwells in Him bodily, making Him God revealed in flesh.

1.3 The Messiah, Lord, and Savior

Verses: Luke 2:11; Acts 2:36; Philippians 2:9-11
  • Jesus is the promised Messiah, anointed by God to redeem humanity.
  • God has made this same Jesus both Lord and Christ, to whom every knee shall bow.

2. Jesus' Consistent Practice of Prayer: A Model of Dependence

2.1 Prayer as a Regular Discipline

Verses: Luke 5:16; Mark 1:35; Luke 6:12
  • Jesus frequently withdrew to solitary places to pray, making it a consistent part of His life.
  • He often spent entire nights in prayer, demonstrating its vital importance.

2.2 Prayer Before Major Ministry Events

Verses: Luke 3:21-22; Luke 9:28-29
  • Jesus prayed at His baptism, receiving affirmation and the Spirit for His public ministry.
  • He prayed on the mountain before His transfiguration, revealing His glory.

2.3 Prayer for Strength and Guidance

Verses: Hebrews 5:7; Matthew 26:39
  • In His humanity, Jesus offered up prayers with strong crying and tears.
  • He prayed for the Father's will to be done, even in the face of immense suffering.

3. Prayer in Times of Decision and Crisis

3.1 Prayer Before Choosing Disciples

Verses: Luke 6:12-13
  • Jesus spent an entire night in prayer before selecting His twelve apostles.
  • This highlights the importance of seeking divine guidance in leadership decisions.

3.2 Prayer in Gethsemane

Verses: Matthew 26:36-44; Mark 14:32-42
  • In His greatest hour of agony, Jesus prayed intensely, submitting His human will to the divine will within Him.
  • His fervent prayer prepared Him for the cross.

3.3 Prayer on the Cross

Verses: Luke 23:34; Luke 23:46
  • Even in His final moments, Jesus prayed for His persecutors and committed His spirit to the Father.
  • His prayer life extended to His very last breath.

4. Jesus' Teachings on Prayer and Its Power

4.1 The Model Prayer

Verses: Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4
  • Jesus taught His disciples how to pray, emphasizing reverence, seeking God's kingdom, and asking for daily needs and forgiveness.
  • He provided a pattern for effective prayer.

4.2 Persistence in Prayer

Verses: Luke 11:5-8; Luke 18:1-8
  • Jesus encouraged persistent and unwavering prayer through parables.
  • He taught that God hears and answers those who continue to ask, seek, and knock.

4.3 Prayer in Faith and Authority

Verses: Matthew 21:22; John 14:13-14
  • Jesus taught that whatever is asked in prayer, believing, will be received.
  • He promised that requests made in His name would be granted, demonstrating the power of prayer.