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Context/Background for this blog article:
Session on 'Why and to Whom Jesus prayed?' (Nepali session): Click here!
A genuine question was asked by a friend at time snap 48:06 in the session video. It was however a new question or thoughtful/concerning question which I thought needed to be addressed to deepen our understanding of Jesus' life on the earth and significance of prayer he demonstrated.
Jesus implies
- Follow me (Matt. 16:24-26)
- Imitate me (As Paul also said) (1 Cor. 11:1-2)
- I am the Model/ example (1 Peter 2:21)
- I am the aim of your sight (Heb. 12:2)
- I am the head of new humanity (Col. 1:18-20)
Therefore, if Jesus had not prayed...
1) He could have just simply come and accomplish his mission
on the cross. But that merely would show his action rather than concern of
saving humanity
2) He could just simply live a human life but that would
leave an incomplete picture of how God and humans are supposed to relate[1]
3) Redemption doesn't include only forgiveness of sin but
also restoring our willingness and submission to God and dedicate ourselves
freely to live according to his rule, will and plan
4) Jesus could have omitted prayer life. But that would
again deprive us from understanding significance of prayer as a communication
and communion with Father.
5) Jesus' aim wasn't simply to come and go as an Avatar. His
aim was to come to rescue humanity and recreate a new humanity and to lead them
throughout eternal life.[2]
6) If Jesus hadn't prayed, his disciples and even apostles
would miss the important aspect of prayer (1 Thes. 5:16-18; Phil. 4:6-7; 1 John
5:14; Col. 4:2; Romans 12:12 etc.) and we wouldn't be a truly redeemed
generation since redemption isn't only about accepting Jesus and coming into
fullness of salvation (or Justification). It’s about a journey and
transformation of our spirit, soul and body.
7) Without prayer, there would be absence of understanding
God's will for us and absence of our willingness to live for him. Jesus could
have done that but it’s not just the case that Jesus was only to become a
successful humanity. He came to make us all a successful humanity.[3]
8) Prayer life is a relationship life with God and Jesus
himself showed that. It was needy for him not just because he was truly man but
he lived in a harmonious relationship with Father.
9) If Jesus hadn't prayed, we wouldn't follow that way and Christianity
would be simply a religion of seeking forgiveness, healing and servicing.
10) Would Jesus be failure if he hadn't prayed? Well, that
might not be the case, but even God needs cooperation with humanity to
accomplish his plans. So, he might not carry out his plans the way he thought
although this doesn't undermine his sovereignty but sovereignty doesn't alone mean
the ruler can do anything he wants to do successfully.[4] Maybe he could die on
cross but he would not be a good example for new humanity.
Based on https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/prayers-jesus/
येशुले प्रार्थना
गर्नुको उद्देश्य:
-पितामा समर्पित जीवन
-पिता सित संचार
-येशु शरीरमा
हुनुहुन्थ्यो; उहाँले आफैंलाई रित्त्याउनु भएको थियो
-पिताको सहकार्यमा
प्रति दिन काम गर्नुहुन्थ्यो
-प्रार्थनाको अर्थ:
सल्लाह, अगुवाई खोज्नु
-पिता सितको सञ्चार-सम्बन्ध
आवश्यक थियो
Source: Bible teacher PA Thomas
[1] “God’s
Eternal Plan for Man and the World,” NepalChurch.Com (blog), September
9, 2019,
https://nepalchurch.com/19428/gods-eternal-plan-for-man-and-the-world/.
[2] The
New Humanity • The New Kind of Existence We’re Invited To (Spiritual Beings
Series Episode 7), 2019, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=takEeHtRrMw.
[3] Why
Jesus Called Himself the Son of Man, 2018,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6cWEcqxhlI.
[4] Exclusive
Interview with Rev. PA Thomas //परमेश्वर कहाँ हुुनुुहुुन्छ ?
//Rohit Dhakal, 2020, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIz_xN6v8gw.
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