Jesus was betrayed by a close follower and turned over to the religious leaders. (Matthew 10:4, 26:14, 16, 47-49; Mark 14:43-45; Luke 22:48) When arrested the rest of his followers deserted him and fled. (Matthew 26:56; Mark 14:50) Simon, whom Jesus called Peter (meaning the rock) denied him three times. Peter walked away from Jesus during the trials. Jesus was alone. (Luke 22:54-62) All those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching Jesus’ crucifixion and the manner of his death. (Luke 23:49)
Verses 9 through 11 reveal Jesus’ lonely heart prayer, “Do not be far from me, for trouble is near and there is no one to help.” Everyone comes to a time when they feel alone. Though people are around them they find that none are friends. Most are foes wishing them harm or at best unmoved by their suffering. I have experienced times like these. “It is not good for man to be alone.” (Genesis 2:18)
Jesus trusted in God since he was in his mother’s womb. Yet, he came to the worst life circumstances he found that he was alone. Loneliness can come to those who know and trust in God. I can truly confess that though I knew God was with me, it seemed like little consequence when I was alone. I talked, but no one responded. I prayed with an anguished heart. He heard me. Though alone, this time will pass if I allow it to. If I seek, I can find. Not far away is a congregation of Bible-believing Spirit-filled followers of Jesus. Not everyone in the church will become a friend. Yet, I can find a small group in the church to become friends with. (Acts 2:46, 5:12, 18:26) If you attend a church and see someone standing alone every week, walk up to them and be friendly. Loneliness need not be a problem in a congregation.
