Becoming a Community of Disciples

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Becoming a Community of Disciples

Table 4: Jesus’s Practice of Silence and Solitude

Event

Type

References

Jesus’s preparation years were not

Jesus spent thirty years in quietness. Consider also his weekly sabbath practice during this time. He spent more than four years resting (1,560 sabbath days)!

necessarily solitude, but are worth reflecting on. What was Jesus doing during this time?

(#27) Luke 3:23

(#28) Matt 4:1–11 Mark 1:12–13 Luke 4:1–13 (#50) Mark 1:35–39 Luke 4:42–44 (compare also Luke 11:1)

Jesus spent forty days in solitude, prayer, and fasting in the wilderness.

Desert Month

Jesus spent a block of time (3–4 hours?) in solitude and prayer. He had regular places he would go.

Lonely Hours

Jesus would “often slip away to the wilderness and pray.”

(#52) Luke 5:16

Habitual Half Day

“He went off to the mountain . . . he spent the whole night in prayer to God” before a major decision.

(#63) Luke 6:12–16

All Night Vigil

Executive Team Retreat

“Come away by yourselves to a lonely place, and rest a while.”

(#104) Mark 6:31–34