The Gospel of John: Come and See the Father

For the entire gospel, John has used Jesus’ teaching to illuminate the unique relationship between himself and God the Father. Remember, as an author, he wants you to believe that Jesus is deity, the Son of God. Jesus said that his teaching is what the Father says, and his works are the Father’s works. For the next two chapters Jesus will teach us about his connection to the Father and what that means for those who believe and follow him. It begins with a question from Peter, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus knows that his disciples are just as troubled as he is, so he assures them, “Let not your heart be troubled.”

What comforts their hearts? Jesus and the Father are one. That means if they received him, they receive the Father; if they have seen him, they have seen the Father. Since they follow him, they will do the works of the Father, and he will lead them to the Father, in whose presence they will live forever. Jesus does something for us no one else can do: he reconciles us to God and brings us with him into God’s glory.

The fall disconnected the created being from the Creator. We try to reconnect by looking for transcendence in life through wealth, experience, awards, notoriety, pleasure, even relationships. They all leave us with temporary moments of glory. Jesus reconnects us to the Father and the glory that is our birthright as image-bearers of God. Join us Sunday as Jesus teaches us about the way back to God.