Luke 5:15-16
… the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses.   But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.

We often assume that Jesus’ amazing miracles and profound truths were a simple result of being divine.  If this were the case, he wouldn’t have had to fast forty days and nights or withdraw frequently to pray.  Jesus was able to act with authority because he clearly heard and obeyed his Father’s orders.  That’s why he didn’t rush to Lazarus’ home when Lazarus was sick.  Because he was fully human and fully dependant on the Father, Jesus wept when he heard his friend had died.  At that point, Jesus didn’t know he was going to raise Lazarus until they arrived later at the tomb and God gave His orders.

It challenges me to realize that Jesus said we would do greater things than he did.  Jesus was able to act with power and authority because he resisted temptation, and spent much time praying and fasting. Am I willing to die that much to self?  Am I willing to be placed in utter dependence upon the Father?  Am I willing to let God use me even if others scorn me or are offended?  

Joy