Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Knowing the Son Is Knowing the Father

 

In the Gospel of John, the apostle illustrates how Jesus, the Son, engages in actions that reveal the Father. Jesus clarifies the identity of the Father and demonstrates His connection to our world.

Jesus served as the Father’s representative on earth, embodying the Father’s will in human form. He expressed that in everything He did, His aim was to fulfill the Father’s desires rather than His own.

Jesus mentioned that He was sent by the Father to complete His mission—the salvation of humankind—and that the Father Himself testified to His work (John 5:36–38).

Jesus declared that the Father sent Him to be the sole way for humanity to reach the Father (John 6:40, 44). The Father desires for everyone to experience the eternal life that is found in Jesus, who assures that He will raise them up during the resurrection.

Several texts from the Gospel of John emphasize the close and intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, characterized by unity, love, and mutual indwelling. Jesus speaks and acts not on His own authority but in complete alignment with the Father’s will and teaching (John 7:16; 14:10). 

He reveals what He has seen and received from the Father (John 8:38) and invites believers to experience the same unity and love He shares with the Father (John 14:23; 15:9-10). 

The Father’s love for Jesus is mirrored in His love for the disciples, and obedience is presented as a pathway to remain in that love (John 15:9-10). 

Jesus also highlights the Father’s affection for those who believe and points to His origin and mission as being from the Father (John 16:27-28). 

Finally, eternal life is defined as knowing the Father and Jesus, emphasizing their inseparable relationship and shared purpose (John 17:3).

Living out God's will as revealed through Jesus involves aligning our lives with His teachings and example. Here are key ways to do so.

Spend time in prayer, worship, and studying Scripture to grow in understanding and intimacy with God. As we draw closer to Him, His will becomes clearer to us.

Imitate Jesus' humility, love, and obedience to the Father. Prioritize serving others, showing compassion, and living a life of integrity.

Actively live out Jesus' commandments, especially to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself. This demonstrates trust in His plan and aligns our actions with His desires.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your actions and transform your character, producing qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and self-control.

Make it a habit to ask God for direction in decisions, big and small, and trust in His wisdom.

Share the love and truth of Jesus through your words and actions, pointing others to God’s will and His kingdom.

By continually aligning our hearts and actions with God's purpose, we reflect His love and fulfill His will in our daily lives.

More: Lesson 11 - The Father, the Son, and the Spirit.



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