Luke 5:16
Verse
Context
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness - Or rather, He frequently withdrew into the desert. This I believe to be the import of the original words, ην ὑποχωρων. He made it a frequent custom to withdraw from the multitudes for a time, and pray, teaching hereby the ministers of the Gospel that they are to receive fresh supplies of light and power from God by prayer, that they may be the more successful in their work; and that they ought to seek frequent opportunities of being in private with God and their books. A man can give nothing unless he first receive it; and no man can be successful in the ministry who does not constantly depend upon God, for the excellence of the power is all from him. Why is there so much preaching, and so little good done? Is it not because the preachers mix too much with the world, keep too long in the crowd, and are so seldom in private with God? Reader! Art thou a herald for the Lord of hosts? Make full proof of thy ministry! Let it never be said of thee, "He forsook all to follow Christ, and to preach his Gospel, but there was little or no fruit of his labor; for he ceased to be a man of prayer, and got into the spirit of the world." Alas! alas! is this luminous star, that was once held in the right hand of Jesus, fallen from the firmament of heaven, down to the Earth!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness,.... Into a desert place, that he might have rest from the fatigues of preaching and healing diseases; and being alone, and free from company, might have an opportunity for private prayer to God, for so it lows: and prayed; this is to be understood of Christ, as man: as God, he is the object of prayer, and petitions are often addressed unto him; and as mediator, he offers up the prayers of all saints, and presents them to his Father; which are acceptable to him, through the incense of his mediation; and as man, he prayed himself: what he now prayed for, is not known; sometimes he prayed for his disciples, and for all that should believe; for their conversion, sanctification, union, perseverance, and glorification; and sometimes for himself, that the cup might pass from him, and he be saved from death; but always with submission to the will of his Father.
Luke 5:16
The Leper’s Prayer
15But the news about Jesus spread all the more, and great crowds came to hear Him and to be healed of their sicknesses.16Yet He frequently withdrew to the wilderness to pray.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(John - Part 26): Jesus Walking on Water
By A.W. Tozer4.4K56:22ExpositionalPSA 46:10MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:161TH 5:17JAS 4:81PE 5:7In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that according to the Bible, human society is lost and under divine sentence. He highlights the powerful influence and magnetic attraction that society has over individuals. The preacher also mentions the need for believers to frequently retire from society in order to break its hold on their lives and to come back as masters, not slaves. The sermon emphasizes the importance of conversion and being born again in Christ Jesus to overcome the corrupting power of society.
Religiosity or Spirituality - Listening to the Spirit
By Zac Poonen3.4K56:21ReligiosityISA 30:21MAT 6:33LUK 5:16LUK 10:38JHN 17:4In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and fulfilling the specific work that God has given us. He uses Jesus as an example, highlighting how Jesus obediently completed the tasks assigned to him, including spending thirty years making stools and benches and preaching for three and a half years. The speaker also emphasizes the significance of spending time alone with God, drawing attention to Jesus' habit of going into the wilderness to pray early in the morning. The sermon concludes with the speaker encouraging listeners to prioritize hearing from God and being obedient to His word, even if it means sacrificing certain things or potentially offending others.
(Genesis) - Part 11
By Zac Poonen1.7K58:56GenesisGEN 9:21LUK 5:16In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of self-control and discipline in our lives, using biblical examples. He emphasizes that even though we may have the likeness of God within us, sin can detach us from that image. However, the presence of conscience in both believers and non-believers serves as a reminder of our connection to God. The preacher warns against using this as an excuse to sin, but rather encourages believers to resist temptation and find encouragement in their struggles. The sermon concludes by highlighting the example of Jesus, who maintained self-control and sought solitude in prayer despite gaining fame and popularity.
(Youth and the Fires of Devotion) the Fire of His Glory
By Denny Kenaston1.4K46:35DevotionPSA 46:10PSA 119:11MAT 6:33MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16JAS 4:8In this sermon, Brother Denny from Charity Ministries encourages listeners to prioritize their spiritual growth and devotion to God. He outlines a daily routine that includes prayer, Bible reading, memorization, meditation, and listening to sermons. He emphasizes the importance of developing a personal relationship with God and experiencing His presence and guidance. Brother Denny also encourages individuals to journal their thoughts and reflections and to make their own personalized routine for spiritual growth.
Prayer (Compilation)
By Compilations1.0K07:16CompilationMAT 6:33MAT 14:23LUK 5:16LUK 6:12LUK 18:1JHN 4:34In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer in the life of Jesus Christ. He highlights how Jesus would often slip away to the wilderness to pray, showing his deep desire to be in communion with God. The speaker emphasizes that a person's prayer life reveals more about their relationship with God than their preaching does. Jesus taught about prayer, emphasizing the need to pray at all times and not lose heart. The speaker encourages listeners to examine their own prayer lives and strive to be like Jesus, who was a man of prayer.
The Morning Watch
By Jim Cymbala86732:06PrayerPSA 5:1MAT 6:33MAT 14:23MRK 1:35MRK 6:46LUK 5:16LUK 11:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of daily communication with God. He compares it to forming a habit, where one act repeated over and over becomes a habit. The speaker shares personal anecdotes, such as being yelled at by a coach to look up while dribbling a basketball, to illustrate the need to be aware of our surroundings. He also mentions the importance of drawing a line in the sand and putting our faith in Jesus for salvation. The speaker highlights the promise of peace and guidance from God for his children.
(Clip) Why Doesn't God Use Me Anymore?
By Shane Idleman78206:39PSA 37:7ISA 40:31LUK 5:16ACT 1:4ROM 12:2HEB 12:1JAS 4:8REV 2:4REV 3:2This sermon emphasizes the need for believers to return to a place of surrender and waiting on God, drawing inspiration from the story of Duncan Campbell's revival experience. It highlights the importance of experiencing the power of God in our lives, waiting on Him for direction, and remembering and returning to our first love for God. The message calls for a posture of humility and a longing for God to move in our lives and in the church once again.
Prayer
By Hugh Morrison63044:251SA 12:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16LUK 6:12ACT 6:4PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving attention to prayer in ministry, highlighting the example of the early church in Acts chapter 6. It challenges listeners to adjust their thinking, priorities, and whole life to prioritize prayer, as it is commanded by God, leads to communion with Him, and results in the greatest good being done. The sermon calls for repentance, determination, and a set focus on prayer as God's way for effective ministry.
The Christian Life
By Jim Cymbala60520:58Christian LifeMAT 6:33MAT 14:22MRK 6:45LUK 5:16JHN 6:1In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the urgency and importance of understanding the Christian life. He acknowledges that while the Christian life is different for each person, there are general truths that apply to all believers. The preacher uses the story of Jesus walking on water to illustrate the ups and downs of life and the challenges that believers may face. He highlights the importance of keeping our focus on Jesus and not allowing fear or distractions to cause us to sink, reminding listeners that even in the darkest moments, the sun will eventually rise.
The Difference Between a Congregation and a Church
By Zac Poonen5431:27:13GEN 14:18PSA 73:25PSA 84:11ISA 42:8LUK 5:161CO 1:27HEB 7:1HEB 7:17This sermon emphasizes the importance of being a humble servant in the church, focusing on the priesthood of Melchizedek as a model for serving others quietly and disappearing without seeking recognition. It highlights the need to listen to God, be sensitive to His leading, and bless others with words and actions without seeking credit. The goal is to build a church where Jesus is glorified, and individuals strive to be like Melchizedek, quietly blessing others and giving all glory to God.
(Through the Bible) Luke - Part 1
By Zac Poonen53157:10LUK 1:15LUK 4:18LUK 5:16LUK 6:12This sermon delves into the Gospel of Luke, emphasizing the accuracy of Jesus' life events from conception to resurrection. It highlights the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, resisting temptations, and using spiritual gifts for the benefit of others. The sermon also underscores the need for humility, prayer, and seeking God's guidance in ministry, while cautioning against pride and the dangers of seeking personal gain through spiritual gifts.
All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 52
By Zac Poonen52224:49MAT 14:23LUK 5:16HEB 4:15HEB 5:7HEB 12:1This sermon delves into the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing the importance of following every aspect of His commands. It explores the humility of Jesus despite performing miracles, the significance of getting alone with God after being used by Him, and the lessons learned from Jesus walking on water, encouraging believers to focus on Christ amidst life's storms and to cry out to Him when sinking in doubt or failure.
Homiletics: The Preacher's Prayer Life - Part 4
By Tim Conway50227:26LUK 5:16ACT 6:42CO 2:16PHP 4:6JAS 5:16This sermon emphasizes the vital importance of prayer in the life of a preacher, highlighting the need for deep communion with God, dependence on Him, and the cultivation of a strong prayer life to handle the Word of God effectively. It stresses the significance of living a holy and distinct life, walking closely with the Lord, and seeking His guidance through prayer in all aspects of ministry.
Satanic Interruptions!
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfarePrayerJOB 23:12ISA 53:3MAT 6:6LUK 5:16ACT 6:4ROM 12:2EPH 6:12PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16David Wilkerson addresses the pervasive issue of 'satanic interruptions' that hinder Christians from deepening their relationship with God. He emphasizes that while many conspiracies may exist in the world, the true threat lies in the distractions that keep believers from prayer and communion with God. Wilkerson shares personal experiences of how he has been sidetracked by various interruptions, urging Christians to prioritize their time with God above all else. He calls for a recognition of the spiritual battle against these distractions and encourages believers to reclaim their prayer time as sacred. Ultimately, he stresses that a devoted prayer life is essential for spiritual strength and effectiveness in ministry.
Guarding Your Prayer Life
By David Wilkerson0Spiritual WarfarePrayer LifeJOB 23:12MAT 6:6LUK 5:16PHP 4:6David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of guarding one's prayer life against distractions and interruptions that the enemy uses to thwart Christians' devotion to God. He highlights that the devil fears those who earnestly seek righteousness and prayer, as their intercession is powerful against evil. Wilkerson urges believers to prioritize their communion with God above all else, treating their time with Him as sacred and rejecting any interruptions that hinder their spiritual growth. He encourages Christians to recognize the necessity of spending time in prayer to truly serve others with God's compassion. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a commitment to enter into the fullness of one's relationship with Christ.
(Living as Jesus Lived) 7. Living by the Power of God
By Zac Poonen0Dependence On GodPower of the Holy SpiritGEN 2:19LUK 4:1LUK 5:16JHN 15:5ROM 11:361CO 2:12CO 12:10EPH 5:18HEB 4:15REV 19:8Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of living by the power of God rather than relying on human soul-power, which can lead to deception and superficiality in Christian life and ministry. He illustrates how Jesus exemplified complete dependence on the Father through prayer and the Holy Spirit, rejecting the allure of human abilities and charisma. Poonen warns against the counterfeit practices in Christendom that mimic genuine spiritual gifts but ultimately serve to elevate human personalities instead of glorifying God. He encourages believers to recognize their weakness and seek the true power of God for effective ministry, highlighting that only what is done through God's power will endure. The sermon challenges listeners to evaluate whether they are truly living and laboring by the power of God.
Praying Like Jesus
By K.P. Yohannan0PrayerIntimacy With GodMAT 26:39LUK 5:16ACT 1:14PHP 4:6K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of prayer in the life of Jesus and the early Church, illustrating that the New Testament Church was birthed in prayer at Pentecost. He highlights how Jesus prioritized prayer, often withdrawing to spend time with the Father, and how His prayer life was characterized by a constant attitude of dependence and intimacy with God. Yohannan points out that true prayer is more about the condition of the heart than mere words, and it involves a genuine dialogue with God that encompasses humility, obedience, and worship. He encourages believers to adopt a lifestyle of prayer that reflects Jesus' example, emphasizing that effective prayer arises from a moment-by-moment awareness of God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of praying with God rather than just praying to Him.
The Secret Closet
By David Wilkerson0PrayerIntimacy With GodPSA 91:1JER 29:12MAT 6:6MAT 14:23MAT 26:36MRK 1:35LUK 5:16PHP 4:61TH 5:17JAS 5:16David Wilkerson emphasizes the significance of having a 'secret closet' for prayer, a private space where one can connect deeply with God away from distractions. He explains that while we often find ourselves praying in various places due to life's demands, true intimacy with God requires a dedicated, quiet space, just as Jesus demonstrated by retreating to solitary places for prayer. Wilkerson challenges the excuses we make for not having a secret place, reminding us that if we truly love God, we will prioritize time alone with Him. He highlights that this practice is not about legalism but about nurturing a loving relationship with God, who desires to replenish us with His resources. Ultimately, the secret closet is where we can experience God's goodness and guidance in our lives.
Secret Meals Make Fat Bodies
By Thomas Brooks0Private PrayerSpiritual GrowthPSA 27:8PSA 91:1MAT 6:6MAT 7:7LUK 5:16PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16Thomas Brooks emphasizes the profound impact of secret duties, particularly private prayer, on the spiritual richness of believers. He compares secret meals that nourish the body to secret prayers that enrich the soul, suggesting that true spiritual wealth comes from intimate communion with God in private. Brooks argues that the most significant graces and experiences are cultivated in the quietness of one's closet, away from the distractions of public life. He illustrates that just as gentle dew nurtures plants more effectively than heavy rain, secret prayer fosters deeper growth in grace and holiness than public displays of faith, which can often be tainted by pride and hypocrisy.
Prayer - Speaking to God
By Zac Poonen0Fellowship With GodPrayerPSA 145:18MAT 6:6LUK 5:16LUK 6:12LUK 18:1LUK 22:44PHP 4:61TH 5:17HEB 5:7JAS 5:16Zac Poonen emphasizes that prayer is a two-way communication with God, where we first listen to Him through His Word before speaking to Him. He highlights that prayer should be a joyful fellowship with God, akin to a bride with her bridegroom, and outlines a disciplined approach to prayer that includes praise, confession, petitions, intercession, and thanksgiving. Poonen warns against allowing prayer to become a dry ritual, encouraging believers to engage in constant communication with God throughout their daily lives. He points to Jesus' intense prayer life as a model for us, urging us to overcome laziness and commit to being people of prayer. Ultimately, Poonen calls for a deeper, more faithful practice of prayer that aligns with God's burdens for others.
Alone With God
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual PreparationSolitudeEXO 14:14PSA 46:10PSA 62:1ISA 30:15MAT 6:6MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16JHN 6:3JAS 4:8A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of solitude with God, illustrating how Jesus withdrew to a mountainside to be alone with His disciples before performing miracles. He argues that true spiritual learning often requires moments of silence and inactivity, away from the distractions of others. Tozer suggests that our religious activities should be preceded by a time of aloneness to be spiritually charged and prepared for action. He highlights that Jesus was ready for the people because He had taken the time to meditate and connect with God. The sermon encourages believers to seek quiet moments with God to be filled with His Spirit before engaging with the world.
The Need for Solitude
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual RenewalSolitude1KI 19:11PSA 4:4PSA 46:10ISA 30:15MAT 6:6MAT 14:23MRK 1:35LUK 5:16JHN 15:4PHP 4:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the critical need for solitude in a world filled with distractions that hinder our devotional life. He reflects on how modern civilization complicates our ability to retreat and renew our spirits, contrasting it with the quiet times of the past. Tozer laments that while technology offers comfort, it also threatens our inner peace and connection with God. He urges listeners to seek moments of solitude to commune with their hearts and find strength amidst the chaos. The sermon concludes with a prayer for the ability to escape the noise and find time for reflection.
Long Before the Lord
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual DisciplinePrayerEXO 34:34PSA 91:1MAT 6:6LUK 5:16PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:161PE 5:7A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of spending significant time in prayer before addressing others about God, using Moses as an example of someone who spoke to God before speaking to the people. He warns against the dangers of rushing into ministry without first being grounded in prayer, suggesting that true spiritual fruit requires a deep and sustained connection with God. Tozer calls for a return to the Biblical norm of prioritizing the secret place of prayer over public preaching, urging believers to cultivate a disciplined spiritual life.
Secret Prayer
By Thomas Brooks0The Power of PrayerSpiritual NourishmentPSA 91:1MAT 6:6LUK 5:16ROM 12:12EPH 6:18PHP 4:6COL 4:21TH 5:17HEB 4:16JAS 5:16Thomas Brooks emphasizes the vital importance of secret prayer in a Christian's life, asserting that it is as essential as food and life itself. He describes secret prayer as the most enriching and sustaining practice, providing spiritual nourishment and encouragement. Throughout history, despite facing persecution and adversity, saints have maintained their commitment to secret prayer, demonstrating its power and necessity. Brooks encourages believers to devote themselves to this practice, highlighting its role in deepening one's relationship with God.
Weeping Between the Porch and the Altar Part 2
By Leonard Ravenhill0RevivalPrayer2CH 7:14PSA 34:6MAT 5:3LUK 5:16ACT 2:42ROM 12:1EPH 6:191TH 5:17HEB 11:6JAS 5:16Leonard Ravenhill emphasizes the urgent need for genuine prayer and revival in the church, highlighting that true authority and anointing cannot be bought or learned but must come from a deep, personal relationship with God. He critiques the modern church's focus on prosperity and self-sufficiency, arguing that true revival occurs when believers recognize their spiritual poverty and seek God earnestly. Ravenhill recalls historical revivals, illustrating how prayer and a deep awareness of God's holiness and human sinfulness are essential for spiritual awakening. He calls for preachers to weep between the porch and the altar, acknowledging the need for brokenness and honesty in seeking God's presence. Ultimately, he urges the church to return to its roots of fervent prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit to transform lives and communities.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness - Or rather, He frequently withdrew into the desert. This I believe to be the import of the original words, ην ὑποχωρων. He made it a frequent custom to withdraw from the multitudes for a time, and pray, teaching hereby the ministers of the Gospel that they are to receive fresh supplies of light and power from God by prayer, that they may be the more successful in their work; and that they ought to seek frequent opportunities of being in private with God and their books. A man can give nothing unless he first receive it; and no man can be successful in the ministry who does not constantly depend upon God, for the excellence of the power is all from him. Why is there so much preaching, and so little good done? Is it not because the preachers mix too much with the world, keep too long in the crowd, and are so seldom in private with God? Reader! Art thou a herald for the Lord of hosts? Make full proof of thy ministry! Let it never be said of thee, "He forsook all to follow Christ, and to preach his Gospel, but there was little or no fruit of his labor; for he ceased to be a man of prayer, and got into the spirit of the world." Alas! alas! is this luminous star, that was once held in the right hand of Jesus, fallen from the firmament of heaven, down to the Earth!
John Gill Bible Commentary
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness,.... Into a desert place, that he might have rest from the fatigues of preaching and healing diseases; and being alone, and free from company, might have an opportunity for private prayer to God, for so it lows: and prayed; this is to be understood of Christ, as man: as God, he is the object of prayer, and petitions are often addressed unto him; and as mediator, he offers up the prayers of all saints, and presents them to his Father; which are acceptable to him, through the incense of his mediation; and as man, he prayed himself: what he now prayed for, is not known; sometimes he prayed for his disciples, and for all that should believe; for their conversion, sanctification, union, perseverance, and glorification; and sometimes for himself, that the cup might pass from him, and he be saved from death; but always with submission to the will of his Father.