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MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER

Text: John 20:1-18
24 May 2009

(I) THE FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN GOD AND JESUS

1. This was carefully preserved in the Gospel of John

2. This is a profound and beautiful doctrine that is worthwhile studying in depth

(II) SOME FEATURES OF THIS FATHER-SON RELATIONSHIP

1. Introduction of Jesus as the only-begotten Son of God

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

a) He is the Word Incarnate

b) He is full of glory

i) Full of grace

ii) And truth

2. Jesus is described as the Only One who can truly declare (exegete) God

“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.” John 1:18

a) No one has seen God at any time

b) The Only Person who has seen God is the only-begotten Son

c) Only He who is in the bosom of the Father can fully and effectively declare (exegete) God

3. The Mission of Jesus

a) He is sent by His Father

“For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” John 3:17

“Jesus said to them, ‘My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work.” John 4:34

“I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work.” John 9:4

b) He is to be honoured as the Father is honoured

“That all should honour the Son just as they honour the Father. He who does not honour the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him.” John 5:23

c) He has an especially close relationship of love with His Father

“For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel.” John 5:20

(III) MY FATHER AND YOUR FATHER

“Jesus said to her, ‘Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and Your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ” John 20:17

1. The concept of God as our “Common Father”

a) As Jesus had this full and relationship with God as His Father

b) So this relationship now exists between God and His spiritual children by adoption

2. The Challenge to develop this special relationship with God the Father

a) The onus of developing this relationship is on us

b) Every means is made available to us

c) The challenge is to consciously cultivate this relationship with God the Father

i) Through knowledge

ii) Through doing His will

ii) Through prayer

iv) Through consciousness of His Presence