The only way to know the Father

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me.I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.” -  John 17:25-26

During the Thirty Years’ War in Europe in the early 1600s, King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden was slain in battle. The Swedes were thrown into mourning for their king as government officials met to determine how to move forward, as Adolphus had no children old enough to rule – only a six-year-old daughter by the name of Christina.

Most of the people had never even seen the small girl. But the chancellor of Sweden brought her in and sat her on the throne. One of the officials moved in for a closer look. Then, turning to the assembly, he said, “Look at her nose, her eyes, her chin! I see in the countenance of this child the features of the great Gustavus. She is the child of our king!”

From all quarters of the room rang the proclamation, “Christina, Queen of Sweden!”

How do we know Jesus is the Son of God? It’s because when we look at Him, we see in His countenance and demeanour the features of God Himself. In the way He loves others, we see the love of the eternal Father. In His miracles, we see God’s eternal power. And in His sacrificial death on the cross, we see the justice and mercy of a holy Creator.

The Son of God reveals the Father like no one else ever could. Give thanks for Jesus, who made it possible to know the Father by showing us His love, His power, and His justice and mercy.

Prayer Challenge

Thank God for sending to the world Jesus to reveal the Father and to make a way to know Him intimately.

Questions for Thought

When you think about what you know of Jesus, what’s the most attractive thing to you about His character?

What does it say about God that He would send Jesus so that you can fully know Him?