The question of why Jesus prayed to God if He is God is one that has intrigued theologians, scholars, and believers for centuries. It touches on the profound and mysterious nature of the Trinity and the dual nature of Christ. To understand this, we must delve into the depths of Christian theology, examining the relationship between Jesus and God the Father, the nature of Jesus’ incarnation, and the purpose of His prayers.
Firstly, it is essential to recognize that Christian doctrine teaches that Jesus is indeed fully God and fully man. This is encapsulated in the doctrine of the Hypostatic Union, which states that Jesus Christ is one Person with two natures, divine and human. The Gospel of John opens with a profound declaration of Jesus’ divinity: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John 1:1, ESV). This verse establishes Jesus as the eternal Word, fully divine and one with God.
However, the same Gospel also tells us, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us" (John 1:14, ESV). This incarnation means that Jesus took on human nature, experiencing life as a human being with all its limitations and challenges. As a man, Jesus experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, and other physical needs. More importantly, He also experienced spiritual needs, one of which was the need for communion with God the Father through prayer.
One of the primary reasons Jesus prayed to God was to model a life of dependence on and communion with the Father. Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently demonstrated a life of prayer. For instance, in Mark 1:35, we read, "And rising very early in the morning, while it was still dark, he departed and went out to a desolate place, and there he prayed" (ESV). Jesus’ regular practice of prayer highlighted the importance of a relationship with God, setting an example for His followers. By praying, Jesus showed that even though He was divine, He lived His earthly life in complete reliance on the Father.
Moreover, Jesus’ prayers were an expression of His human nature. The Gospels provide several instances where Jesus’ prayers reveal His humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, faced with the impending crucifixion, Jesus prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" (Matthew 26:39, ESV). This prayer reveals Jesus’ human desire to avoid suffering, yet it is coupled with His submission to the Father’s will. It underscores the reality that Jesus, in His humanity, experienced fear, anguish, and a need for divine strength and guidance.
Furthermore, Jesus’ prayers were a means of fulfilling His role as the Mediator between God and humanity. In His high priestly prayer recorded in John 17, Jesus intercedes for His disciples and all believers, asking the Father to protect and sanctify them. Hebrews 7:25 tells us that Jesus "always lives to make intercession for them" (ESV). As the Mediator, Jesus’ prayers were not only a personal communication with the Father but also an essential part of His redemptive work, bridging the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
Theologically, Jesus’ prayers also illuminate the distinct persons of the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity teaches that God is one Being in three Persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These three Persons are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial, yet they have distinct roles and relationships. Jesus praying to the Father highlights this relational distinction within the Godhead. It shows that while Jesus is fully God, He is also a distinct Person who communicates with the Father. This intra-Trinitarian relationship is a mystery beyond full human comprehension but is crucial to understanding the nature of God as revealed in Scripture.
In addition to these theological reasons, Jesus’ prayers serve a practical purpose for believers. They provide a profound example of how to approach God in prayer. Jesus taught His disciples to pray with humility, dependence, and trust in God’s will, as seen in the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13). His own prayers exemplify these principles, demonstrating an intimate relationship with the Father that believers are invited to share. Jesus’ prayers encourage believers to bring their needs, fears, and desires to God, trusting in His goodness and sovereignty.
To further understand why Jesus prayed, it is helpful to consider the writings of early Church Fathers and theologians. Athanasius, an influential fourth-century bishop, wrote extensively on the incarnation and the nature of Christ. In his work "On the Incarnation," Athanasius emphasizes that Jesus took on human nature to redeem and restore humanity. He states, "He became what we are that He might make us what He is." This profound statement underscores the purpose of Jesus’ incarnation and His identification with human experiences, including prayer.
Similarly, the early Church Father Augustine, in his work "Confessions," reflects on the mystery of the Trinity and the incarnation. He writes, "He who is the Word, through whom all things were made, was made flesh, that He might dwell among us." Augustine’s writings highlight the significance of Jesus’ incarnation as an act of divine love and humility, through which He fully participated in the human condition.
In conclusion, Jesus prayed to God because He was fully human and fully divine, modeling a life of dependence on the Father, expressing His human nature, fulfilling His role as Mediator, and revealing the relational distinction within the Trinity. His prayers serve as a profound example for believers, encouraging them to cultivate a deep and trusting relationship with God. The mystery of the Trinity and the incarnation may be beyond full human comprehension, but through Jesus’ prayers, we gain a glimpse into the profound love and unity within the Godhead and are invited to share in that divine relationship.
