Family Likeness
Wednesday August 21, 2013
Have you ever been told that you look like your mother, father, sister, brother or another family member? There are striking resemblances between family members. Sometimes we will see a business name such as “Smith and Son” which would indicate that both the father and son are providing the same type of service for the business. Both, or either of them, would be qualified to provide the service in which the business operates. Jesus was the very image of His Father and when He told His disciples that, if they knew Him they also knew His Father, one of them questioned this statement.
If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. (John 14:7-11 NKJV)
Jesus came into this world not to do His own will but to do the will of the Father who sent Him. In the example of “Smith and Son” family business, “Smith the father” may go out and assess a job that needs to be done. He will then consult with” Smith the son” as to the best way to proceed with the job. They will make plans and assess the cost that they will incur to complete the job. They will then give a cost estimate to the person needing the job done. “Smith the son” may then be sent to actually fulfill the work requirement when the client accepts the price quote. “Smith the father” will remain back at the office.
God the Father and God the Son planned the redemption of mankind and the cost that would be incurred in doing so. God the Father then sent God the Son to do the work required. God the Father remained in Heaven.
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. (John 3:16-17 NKJV) Unlike the “Smith and Son” project there is no cost to the recipient of the work done by Jesus, God’s beloved Son. It is a gift from God. Will you receive the gift?
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. (1 Corinthians 2:9 KJV)
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