Know Jesus, Know the Father

What does God look like? We know he is spirit and that he is invisible to us; in fact, the Word says, “No one has seen God at any time” (John 1:18).

Part of Jesus’ mission on earth was to reveal the heavenly Father to us. When Christ was about to return to heaven, he told his disciples that they knew where he was going and they knew the way. However, Thomas countered, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). In other words, “If you leave us, how will we ever get to the Father? You told us yourself that you’re the only way to him.”

Jesus explained, “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; and from now on you know Him and have seen Him” (14:7). Philip was befuddled by this and he must have thought, “What does Jesus mean, we’ve seen the Father? How can we see a spirit? And how can Jesus be God?” So then he got into the conversation: “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us” (14:8).

Jesus was patient because he sensed Philip’s sincerity: “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (14:9). Jesus then turned and addressed all the disciples: “Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me?” (14:10). And after this he gave them a glorious promise: “At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (14:20).

This was an amazing conversation! Christ was telling his followers, “Look at me! Don’t you see that I am God, clothed in human flesh? I’m the very essence of my Father, and all that he is — in nature, substance and character — is in me. I’ve come to earth to show you the human face of God! I realize you can’t comprehend all this now but when I’m raised from the dead, I’ll manifest the Father to you, for he and I are one.”

We know that Christ’s entire ministry was a manifestation of who the Father is. Even today he seeks to reconcile you to himself and rule over you in love. As you accept his love and love him in return, you will discern the face of the Father.