Our view of our heavenly Father gets distorted by people (father, mothers, family members, etc.) and ourselves (when we rebel against the Father). We have ideas about what the Father could be like. But, how can we know the truth? Where can we find the perfect picture of the Father?
Look at Jesus. Find the Father.
Let's journey through the book of John.
John 1:35-42
How did Jesus treat the two disciples that ran up behind him?
What did Jesus do with the two disciples? What does this tell you about your Father?
John 2:1-11
From this story of Jesus' 1st miracle, describe the character of the Father as seen through Jesus.
Note the setting of where Jesus first performs a miracle and reveals His glory. What does this say about the character of your Father in heaven?
John 2:12-17
Why did Jesus clear the temple?
Read Mark 11:17
What does this tell you about the character of your Father?
John 3:1-21
Nicodemus was a Jewish leader that was confused. He didn't understand Jesus' meaning as he talked about being "born again."
Do you ever find God's ways confusing? How did Jesus treat Nicodemus when he was confused? What does this tell you about your Father?
John 4:1-42
Why do you think Jesus "had to go through Samaria?" (v. 4)
How did Jesus treat the woman when it was clear he knew her rebellious past?
After the encounter with this woman at the well, Jesus spent two more days with the townspeople calling them to faith.
After seeing Jesus relate with this woman and the town, describe the character of your Father.
John 5:1-15
Read John 5:8 - What is the difference between Jesus and others who could help the man into the pool?
John 5:19-20 - "Jesus gave them this answer: 'I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, to your amazement he will show him even greater things than these.'" (NIV)
John 11:1-44
Reread John 11:33, 35 & 38. What do these verses tell you about the character of your Father?
Reread John 11:41-42. Why did Jesus pray aloud to his Father?
John 12:12-19
What characteristic of the Father is on display here?
John 13:1-17
How does Jesus show the character of the Father in this story?
How does the Father serve you?
John 18:1-11
When Jesus revealed who he was to the soldiers and officials, what happened to them? How powerful is your Father?
The soldiers did not take Jesus. It was clear that Jesus gave himself to them. He sacrificed himself. How has your Father sacrificed for you?
Look at Jesus. Find the Father.
The Father
- Invites you over (John 1:35-42).
- Knows all about you and calls you (John 1:43-49).
- Reveals his glory at a party... is fully normal and full of fun. He keeps the party going (John 2:1-11).
- Displays anger when people are kept away from knowing Him (John 2:13-17).
- Patiently teaches you (John 3:1-21).
- Reaches out to those on the fringe of society (John 4:1-42).
- Has compassion and power to change your situation (John 5:1-15).
- Has an intimate relationship with His Son (John 5:19-23).
- Abundantly provides for people (John 6:1-15).
- Displays his power over nature (John 6:16-21).
- Has mercy on the sinner (John 8:1-11).
- Enters into your present pain and weeps with you (John 11:1-44).
- Approaches with humility (John 12:12-19).
- Takes on the lowest position and serves (John 13:1-17).
- Gives over His Son to trial, torture, then death (John 18:1-11).
- Cares for his family in the midst of his pain (John 19:16-27).
- Personally reveals himself to you (John 20:10-18).
- Makes sure even the doubting ones believe him (John 20:24-31).
- Restores confidence to the traitors (John 21).
Credits:
Created with images by Unsplash - "cross symbol religious" • Unsplash - "bible books coffee" • moshebar - "A Jewish Wedding" • darkday. - "One & Two Cent Coin" • jimmysudekum - "23.6.13, #1" • daoro - "Pain" • Capt' Gorgeous - "Booosh!!!" • AdinaVoicu - "brown brown eyes iris" • photo-graphe - "donkey mane shoe" • embowman - "Dirty feet." • Murati - "jesus crucifix mother mary" • geralt - "cross sunset sunrise" • hoyasmeg - "Opening of roadside tomb_0654" • Waiting For The Word - "Thomas Doubts 4" • stickfish - "fishing net network fishing"; "All of us are invited to 'come and see' - pastorfergus.wordpress.com; Sunday Gospel - maranathayoga.com; Jesus in the garden - f--f.info;