Knowing the Father's Heart
“He who has seen Me has seen the Father.” John 14:9 (NKJV)
One of the greatest privileges we have received through Jesus Christ is the opportunity to know God accurately. Throughout history, people have developed different ideas about who God is and how He relates to humanity. Some see Him as a distant personality who has very little concern for their lives. Others are so conscious of His power that they struggle to understand His love and compassion. However, Jesus came to reveal the Father, and our understanding of God must be shaped by the revelation we have received through Him.
When Philip asked Jesus to show them the Father, Jesus responded that whoever had seen Him had seen the Father. This means that the life and ministry of Jesus reveal the character of God. When Jesus showed compassion to the suffering, demonstrated mercy towards sinners, taught people the truth, and gave Himself for our redemption, He was revealing the Father's heart. We must therefore learn to examine our beliefs about God in the light of what Jesus has revealed.
There are believers who approach God with fear because they are uncertain whether He is willing to receive them. Some struggle to pray confidently because they imagine God is continually looking for reasons to reject them. But the gospel reveals the love of the Father who gave His Son for our salvation. As you study the Scriptures, give particular attention to the life, words, and works of Jesus. The more clearly you see the Father through Christ, the more confidently you can relate to Him.
Prayer
Father, open my understanding to know You more accurately through Jesus Christ. Remove every wrong perception that hinders my fellowship with You, in Jesus' name. Amen.
Confession
I know the Father through Jesus Christ. I am established in His love, confident in His goodness, and growing in the knowledge of His character.
Further reading: John 1:14–18, Hebrews 1:1–3, John 17:3.