Today our text turns to the first uttered prayer of Jesus. It happens in John 11, just before he raised his dead friend from a four day old grave. (John 11:41-42)
So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
Certainly this is not the first time Jesus ever prayed, but this is the first prayer of Jesus for which we have the actual words.
We know for that Jesus prayed at his baptism, as the Holy Spirit was coming upon him. (Luke 3:21). He prayed after he withdrew from the crowds (Luke 5:16). Mark tells us that He prayed in the evening after he healed people (Mark 1:35).
Jesus was a man of prayer, but with this text we finally have the actual words that Jesus uttered in his prayer.
As we look closely at this text, we see three wonderful lessons.
First, we notice the intimacy between Jesus and the Father.
He does not call him God or Wise One or any other term. His first prayer shows how he views God. God is his father.
This is a term that signifies a close, family relationship. This intimacy is a part of Jesus’ identity and mission, and it’s crucial to understanding his role as the mediator between God and humanity. Jesus’ intimate relationship with God is on full display in this first prayer.
Second, Jesus declares for all to hear that he believes in the father.
He prays out loud and very loudly for the sake of the onlookers. He wanted others to see God as one who can be leaned upon and trusted. Certainly some prayer should be private, but public prayer is a wonderful time to model prayer for those you love.
Third, Jesus completely trust God’s will.
Jesus thanks God for hearing his prayers. In fact, He thanks the father for answering his prayer, even before the prayer is answered. This implies a deep trust in God, no matter the circumstances. It shows unwavering trust and gratitude in God’s plan, even when faced with challenging situations.
Lonnie Davis