If we are to live as true followers of Jesus, we will be intentional about the practice of solitude. Let’s look at 10 different times in Jesus’ life when he made solitude a priority:
1. To Prepare for Ministry
In Matthew 4:1-11, Jesus fasts for 40 days in the wilderness in preparation for the inauguration of his ministry. We should seek solitude to intentionally prepare for future ministry.
2. To Grieve
In Matthew 14:13, Jesus receives the bad news of John the Baptist’s execution and withdrew by himself to grieve. We should seek solitude to recover from inevitable losses and disappointment.
3. After Success
In Matthew 14:23, Jesus went up on a mountainside by himself to pray—right after feeding the 5,000.We should seek solitude in order to recover from a great victory that leaves us feeling tired and depleted.
4. Hear From God
In Matthew 17:1-9, Jesus seeks the silence of a lonely mountain and God speaks through the transfiguration.We should seek solitude in order to intentionally listen to God’s Spirit.
5. Before a Major Challenge
In Matthew 26:36-40, Jesus wants to pray alone in the garden before he faces the cross. We should seek solitude so we can find our quiet center and pray as a looming challenge approaches.
6. To Gain Perspective
In Mark 1:35, Jesus went off to a solitary place to pray following and during an intense season of ministry. He gains perspective as he talks with his Father and prepares for things to come. We should seek solitude to gain a clear perspective that leads to wise decisions.
7. As an Example
In Mark 6:31, Jesus invites the disciples to come away to a quiet place and rest after an intense season of ministry. He’s teaching the disciples the importance of the practice of solitude. We should seek solitude as an example to others who live noisy lives.
8. For Renewal
In Luke 5:16, we learn that Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. He does this after draining seasons of life. We should seek solitude for rest, rejuvenation, and renewal.
