By Dr. Maxwell Shimba

Shimba Theological Institute | Max Shimba Ministries Org.
April 10, 2016

Abstract

One of the most common objections raised against the divinity of Jesus Christ—especially by Muslim apologists and groups such as Jehovah's Witnesses—is the question: "If Jesus was truly God, then to whom was He praying?" This inquiry, often posed during interfaith discussions, is grounded in a misunderstanding of the dual nature of Christ and the eternal relationship within the Trinity. This scholarly article aims to address this theological question by exploring the scriptural, historical, and doctrinal foundation of Christ’s divine and human nature and His relationship to the Father.

Introduction

In various religious debates, a recurrent question is raised: When Jesus prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane, who was He praying to? The underlying presumption is that if Jesus is God, then it seems paradoxical for Him to pray. More provocatively, critics ask, Since when does God pray or ask for help? These questions merit a robust, biblically grounded response. To understand why Jesus prayed and to whom, one must first comprehend the Christian doctrine of the Trinity and the dual nature of Jesus Christ.

The Eternal Relationship Between the Father and the Son

Before the incarnation—before the Word became flesh—Jesus existed eternally as the Son of God in perfect communion with the Father and the Holy Spirit. The Gospel of John affirms this pre-existence and unity:

"The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do... For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will." (John 5:19–21)
"...that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father." (John 5:23)

Moreover, Isaiah 9:6 prophetically declares:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”

This passage affirms both the humanity ("a child is born") and the divinity ("a son is given") of the Messiah. From eternity past, Jesus existed as the Son in the Godhead—coequal and coeternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.

The Doctrine of the Trinity

Christian orthodoxy holds that God is one in essence and three in person: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. These are not three gods (tritheism), but one God in three distinct persons. Jesus Himself declared,

"I and the Father are one." (John 10:30)

This statement does not negate personal distinction within the Godhead but affirms ontological unity. Thus, the Son praying to the Father does not signify inferiority but reflects the eternal relationship of love and purpose within the Trinity.

The Dual Nature of Jesus Christ (Hypostatic Union)

At the incarnation, the eternal Son took upon Himself full humanity while retaining full divinity. This is known as the Hypostatic Union—two natures, divine and human, in one person. As Philippians 2:5–11 explains:

"Christ Jesus... being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation... and was made in the likeness of men..."

Thus, while on earth, Jesus operated fully as man, experiencing human needs, suffering, and dependence, all while remaining truly God. His prayers were a demonstration of His genuine humanity and His relationship with the Father.

Jesus' Prayers as a Human Being

In His earthly life, Jesus prayed frequently—seeking strength, wisdom, and communion with the Father:

Mark 1:35 – He rose early to pray in solitude.
John 11:41–42 – He prayed before raising Lazarus, to glorify the Father.
John 17 – He interceded for His disciples and all future believers in what is often called the High Priestly Prayer.

These were not the prayers of a lesser deity but the heartfelt cries of the perfect man, perfectly submitted to the will of the Father.

As Hebrews 5:8 states:

“Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.”

Gethsemane and the Cross: Obedience to the Father's Will

The Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36–46) vividly portrays Jesus’ agony before the crucifixion. He prayed:

“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.” (v. 39)

This was not a denial of divinity but a deep expression of His human anguish. His obedience in prayer revealed His full submission to the Father’s redemptive plan. It was God the Son, in human form, fully obedient even unto death, carrying out the will of God the Father.

Jesus Is Both the One Who Prays and the One to Whom We Pray

Jesus prayed to the Father while on earth. At the same time, He is worshiped and prayed to, as seen in:

Acts 7:59 – “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit,” prayed Stephen.
John 20:28 – Thomas called Jesus, “My Lord and my God!”

These texts confirm the early church’s recognition of Jesus’ divinity. He is both the intercessor and the object of faith and worship.

Conclusion: No Contradiction in Christ’s Prayers

There is no theological contradiction in Jesus praying to the Father. His prayers reveal:

The eternal communion within the Trinity.
His full assumption of human nature, including dependence and suffering.
The exemplary model of submission and prayer for all believers.

Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man—demonstrated in His life of prayer the essential posture of obedience to God. His prayers were not evidence against His divinity but rather proof of the incarnate Word living in total alignment with the divine plan.

For Further Study

The Two Natures of Christ: Max Shimba Article – “Asilia Mbili za Yesu Kristo”
Philippians 2:5–11 and Hebrews 1:1–3 for Christ's divine identity
John 17 for the High Priestly Prayer and divine mission of Jesus

Contact for Questions or Dialogue

Email: maxshimbaministries@gmail.com
Presented by: Dr. Maxwell Shimba
For: Max Shimba Ministries Org.

Monday, July 7, 2025

If Jesus Was God, Then Who Was He Praying To?