Jesus and His Father
Jesus was the greatest example of the critical role of Father and Son while on earth and in this world. He spoke of His Father more than anyone else. He expressed and emphatically confessed His need, dependency and submission to His Father at every opportunity. He never hesitated to give credit to His Father for any activity or success; thereby confirming the sustaining work of God His life. He saw His Father as the Source, Resource and Purpose for His entire life.
How many men do you know today who speak of their fathers in such a way? How many could and do give their fathers credit for most of their activities and successes? On the contrary, most men today consider it "less manly" to give credit to another because it is perceived as a weakness. For example, I only remember seeing my father three times. Once as a child while my mother was chasing him down for child support; and the two other times, I visited him at his place of residence. Even then he didn't have time for me. Growing up, I never had a father to say "I love you".
What a sharp contrast in the attitude of the ultimate Man, Jesus the Christ! His perception and relationship with His Father should serve as the standard by which we measure the effectiveness and success of true fatherhood. Jesus honored and respected His Father deeply. His goal was to please His Father's commands and wishes. Keep in mind, the level at which your child refers to you is the measure of your effectiveness as a Father. Consider these words on how Jesus replied to others concerning His Father and His purpose:
Constitution: John 8:54-55 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55) Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word."
Constitution: John 8:26-29 "I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” 27) They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 28) Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29) And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
Additional reading: John 14:8-11, John 10:37-38, John 16:25
How many men do you know today who speak of their fathers in such a way? How many could and do give their fathers credit for most of their activities and successes? On the contrary, most men today consider it "less manly" to give credit to another because it is perceived as a weakness. For example, I only remember seeing my father three times. Once as a child while my mother was chasing him down for child support; and the two other times, I visited him at his place of residence. Even then he didn't have time for me. Growing up, I never had a father to say "I love you".
What a sharp contrast in the attitude of the ultimate Man, Jesus the Christ! His perception and relationship with His Father should serve as the standard by which we measure the effectiveness and success of true fatherhood. Jesus honored and respected His Father deeply. His goal was to please His Father's commands and wishes. Keep in mind, the level at which your child refers to you is the measure of your effectiveness as a Father. Consider these words on how Jesus replied to others concerning His Father and His purpose:
Constitution: John 8:54-55 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55) Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word."
Constitution: John 8:26-29 "I have many things to say and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I heard from Him.” 27) They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 28) Then Jesus said to them, “When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father taught Me, I speak these things. 29) And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.”
Additional reading: John 14:8-11, John 10:37-38, John 16:25
