Luke 5:16

16 And he withdrew * himself into the wilderness, and prayed .

Luke 5:16 Meaning and Commentary

Luke 5:16

And he withdrew himself into the wilderness
Into a desert place, that he might have rest from the fatigues of preaching and healing diseases; and being alone, and free from company, might have an opportunity for private prayer to God, for so it lows:

and prayed;
this is to be understood of Christ, as man: as God, he is the object of prayer, and petitions are often addressed unto him; and as mediator, he offers up the prayers of all saints, and presents them to his Father; which are acceptable to him, through the incense of his mediation; and as man, he prayed himself: what he now prayed for, is not known; sometimes he prayed for his disciples, and for all that should believe; for their conversion, sanctification, union, perseverance, and glorification; and sometimes for himself, that the cup might pass from him, and he be saved from death; but always with submission to the will of his Father.

Luke 5:16 In-Context

14 And he charged him to tell no man: but go , and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded , for a testimony unto them.

15 But so much the more went there a fame abroad of him: and great multitudes came together to hear , and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed .

17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching , that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by , which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

18 And, behold , men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy : and they sought means to bring him in , and to lay him before him.