21 At that time Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit and said, “Father, Lord of heaven and earth! I thank you because you have shown to the unlearned what you have hidden from the wise and learned. Yes, Father, this was how you were pleased to have it happen.
22 “My Father has given me all things. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
23 Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said to them privately, “How fortunate you are to see the things you see! 24 I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see, but they could not, and to hear what you hear, but they did not.”
Read Luke 10:21-24 in context and/or in other translations on BibleGateway.com!
If you ever wondered how to truly know who God is, Jesus actually shares how you and I can know God. In Luke’s research and interviews with those who were closest to Jesus, he uncovers a statement Jesus makes in a prayer that reveals how we can know God. While this may seem depressing to some, it offers encouragement for those who are open to learning from Jesus.
In Luke, we read a prayer Jesus speaks while being filled with joy from the Holy Spirit. In this prayer, Luke tells us that Jesus says, “My Father has given me all things. No one knows who the Son is except the Father, and no one knows who the Father is except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” (v. 22)
Jesus shares that “no one knows who the Father is except the Son”. This statement appears on surface to be exclusive and discouraging for those who are honestly seeking God. But Jesus doesn’t really stop there, because He finishes by adding, “and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”
While appearing discouraging, this statement is actually incredibly encouraging for us. This statement actually gives us hope for being able to know God though Jesus. This statement is also an amazing filter for how to truly know God. The logic concludes that if we trust Jesus’ words, then anyone claiming to share knowledge about God that is outside of the filter of Jesus has chosen a different god, rather than Jesus’ Father who we call “God the Father”.
Jesus’ words point us to God using Him as the filter for showing Himself to us. In a different part of the gospels, Jesus tells them that if they have seen Him (i.e. Jesus), then they have seen the Father. Any picture of God that is separated from Jesus is not an accurate picture of God.
Jesus wants to teach us about God, and He wants to show us God’s character. In order for Him to be able to do this, we must be open to placing our faith, hope, and trust in Him. Jesus lived God’s character while on earth, and by looking at His life, we are able to see God’s character of love.
This thought was inspired by studying the Walking With Jesus “Reflective Bible Study” package. To discover insights like this in your own study time, click here and give Reflective Bible Study a try today!
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