Matthew 14:23

THE SOLITUDE OF CHRIST

‘When the evening was come He was there alone.’

Matthew 14:23

Christ had an actual human body and soul, yet He was Divine. It was on His human side that He was depressed, sorrowful, as well as at times hungry, thirsty, and weary. It was on the human side of His nature that He felt the need of solitude. We ask, however, why did Christ seek to be alone?

I. Physical exhaustion.—Was Christ conscious of physical exhaustion needing repair? His was an essentially busy life. Why did he escape? Was it not to repair the loss caused by the exhaustive strain on Him? As we believe, He had made Himself subject to conditions such as these under which we are placed, therefore He needed at times rest and quiet.

If this be one of the reasons, how near it brings the Saviour to us, as we think that He knew what it was to feel harassed, weary, and subject to the reaction that follows excitement.

II. Some subtle temptation.—Was Christ conscious of some subtle temptation? The people whom He fed would make Him King. The honour intended by the multitude Christ knew how to estimate. Was it that he had had a half thought that it would be as well to let them do as they would? Thoughts, inclinations, interests, are terrific enemies at times, and are only to be met and conquered in solitude and prayer.

III. Wearied with loneliness of society.—Was Christ seeking solitude because He was wearied with the loneliness of society? All great souls must be solitary in the world. In proportion to greatness of soul, so the loneliness. Such find in nature that which is more congenial to the soul than they have found in society. The weight of a world’s salvation rested on Christ! Who therefore, other than the Father, could sympathise with Him, and make loneliness bearable by His Divine presence and smile?

IV. To contemplate His work.—Did Jesus seek to be alone that He might contemplate the meaning and extent of the work He had undertaken? We think so. He foresees also the ingathering at last, in one fold with the Gentiles, of those who had as yet to reject and crucify Him. The contemplation was a joy as well as a strength to Him. He had an aim. Have we thus measured the effect of our work? What is our aim? What the joy set before us?

To learn the meaning of life we must be alone. We must let the light of God and eternity come in upon our lives. We must be alone with God. He is nearer than we think.