The Praying Man in Luke’s Gospel

The evangelist Luke especially shows us the humanity of the Lord Jesus. He is presented there as the praying Man fourteen times—a testimony of His perfect dependence (see Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:16, 18, 28; 10:21; 11:1; 22:17, 32, 41–44; 23:34, 46; 24:30). In no other gospel is it mentioned that He prayed that many times. We’ll look at these passages, along with some others, in the next devotions and apply them to our lives.

From Practice to Teaching

Having seen, as far as chapter 11, many occasions where the Lord prayed, we will see from then on how He explained the principles of prayer to His disciples. Luke repeatedly makes it clear that in the life of Jesus actions came before teaching, for he writes: “all that Jesus began to do and teach” (Acts 1:1).

Perfect Consistency in the Life of Jesus

With our Lord there was no discrepancy between teaching and practice. He lived out what He taught, and He was exactly what He said to people (see John 8:25). He did not transgress with His mouth (see Ps. 17:3). He loved not only with words, but in deed and truth (see 1 John 3:18). His life is also the best example of what it means that we should always pray and not lose heart (see Luke 18:1).

Before preaching the Word of God in the synagogue in Nazareth, He first applied it to Himself in the desert when He was tempted by Satan. It is therefore no wonder that we read that He preached with authority and power—in contrast to the hypocritical scribes (see Mt. 7:28–29).

A Call to Authentic Living

God wants to see reality and sincerity in our lives! He is looking for people who live out what they profess publicly or preach aloud. As the saying goes, ‘Your actions are screaming so loudly, I can’t hear what you are saying!’ If our lives don’t back up what we tell others, then our words or testimony have neither power nor moral authority. For example, if we as Christians profess that we are pilgrims on earth because our true home is heaven, and at the same time make ourselves as comfortable as possible down here, our testimony is not very credible.

How much of what you profess or preach is visible in your own life? Is it your heartfelt desire that the discrepancy between doctrinal knowledge and practice in your life is constantly decreasing? How can others see in you that you don’t belong to the world, but that your true home is heaven?