God the Father

The Scriptures teach that there are three persons of God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). In our text, John stated that seeing the Son of God (Jesus) helps us to understand God the Father. The gospel accounts describe various aspects of the relationship between Jesus and the Father. By studying these, we can better understand our relationship with God the Father. In this lesson, we are going to look at the Father’s relationship with the Son and what that means for us.

The Father and the Son

• The Father loves the Son (John 3:35) – because of this, He entrusted Him with His mission; He also loved Him because of His commitment to carry out this mission (John 10:17)
• The Father is united with the Son (John 10:30) – united in work (John 5:17) and in purpose (John 17:20-21)
• The Father provides for the Son (Matthew 4:1-4, 11) – Satan offered a shortcut, but Jesus relied on the Father; even through the cross, the Father provided the way (Mark 14:35-36)
• The Father expects the Son to do His will (Philippians 2:8) – this was something He had to learn (Hebrews 5:8); He was not in a position to have to do this before
• The Father is well-pleased with the Son (Matthew 3:16-17) – this is stated when He fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15); this shows that the Father is aware and takes notice
• The Father does not forsake the Son (Matthew 27:45-46) – many misunderstand Jesus’ statement; though He appeared to be forsaken, the Father never left Him (Psalm 22:1, 16-18, 22-24)

The Father and Us

• The Father loves us (John 3:16) – this is why He sent Jesus to die for us; this should provide us with great assurance (Romans 8:31-32), despite our sufferings (Romans 8:35-37)
• The Father is united with us as we walk in the light (1 John 1:7) – He has shown us the way we should take; this is found in Christ (1 John 1:3; John 14:6)
• The Father provides for us (James 1:17) – He has provided every good thing in this life; He continues to provide for us as a loving Father (Matthew 7:7-11)
• The Father expects us to do His will (Matthew 7:21-23) – this is the way into the kingdom; we are not to do what we think is right, but what He has told us (Colossians 3:17)
• The Father is well-pleased with us as we do what pleases Him (Colossians 1:10) – this should be our ambition (2 Corinthians 5:9); carry out every good work, and these are defined in His word (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
• The Father does not forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6) – even when it appears that we have been forsaken, He is with us (Revelation 2:10; cf. Romans 8:35-37)

Conclusion

• By looking at the relationship between God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, we can learn about our relationship with God
• Let us recognize His great love for us, how He richly blesses us, and that He will not forsake us
• At the same time, let us continue to walk with Him, obey His word, and do what is pleasing to Him