Basic HTML Version
446
Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
of the darkness of this world, and He left the busy city and the
noisy throng, to seek a retired place to make His intercessions.
The Mount of Olives was the favorite resort of the Son of God for
His devotions. Frequently after the multitude had left Him for the
retirement of the night, He rested not, though weary with the labors
of the day. In the Gospel of John we read: “And every man went
unto his own house. Jesus went unto the Mount of Olives.” While
the city was hushed in silence, and the disciples had returned to their
homes to obtain refreshment in sleep, Jesus slept not. His divine
pleadings were ascending to His Father from the Mount of Olives
that His disciples might be kept from the evil influences which they
would daily encounter in the world, and that His own soul might
be strengthened and braced for the duties and trials of the coming
day. All night, while His followers were sleeping, was their divine
Teacher praying. The dew and frost of night fell upon His head
bowed in prayer. His example is left for His followers.
The Majesty of heaven, while engaged in His mission, was often
in earnest prayer. He did not always visit Olivet, for His disciples
had learned His favorite retreat, and often followed Him. He chose
the stillness of night, when there would be no interruption. Jesus
could heal the sick and raise the dead. He was Himself a source of
blessing and strength. He commanded even the tempests, and they
obeyed Him. He was unsullied with corruption, a stranger to sin; yet
He prayed, and that often with strong crying and tears. He prayed
for His disciples and for Himself, thus identifying Himself with our
needs, our weaknesses, and our failings, which are so common with
[509]
humanity. He was a mighty petitioner, not possessing the passions
of our human, fallen natures, but compassed with like infirmities,
tempted in all points even as we are. Jesus endured agony which
required help and support from His Father.
Christ is our example. Are the ministers of Christ tempted and
fiercely buffeted by Satan? so also was He who knew no sin. He
turned to His Father in these hours of distress. He came to earth that
He might provide a way whereby we could find grace and strength
to help in every time of need, by following His example in frequent,
earnest prayer. If the ministers of Christ will imitate this pattern,
they will be imbued with His spirit, and angels will minister unto
them.