Flashback Episode — How to Know God: Luke 10:21-24

If you have ever wondered what God the Father is like, or if you have ever wanted to know more about who God the Father is, you happen to be in luck, because in this episode’s short, four-verse passage, Jesus gives us the key for how we can know God.

But before we get to reading our passage for this episode, let me frame what we are about to read with an observation about the culture we live in. In today’s culture, there is a belief that has spread throughout Christianity and the broader culture that says God the Father is mean and vengeful while Jesus is kind and loving. The implication of this belief is that we need Jesus to step between the mean Father and us to protect us from Him.

But this viewpoint is completely misguided and wrong. Yes, there are things that happen in the Bible and the Old Testament that could paint God the Father in a negative light, but as I have studied, I’ve realized God has a different picture and perspective on life, and as a Life-Giver and Creator, He thinks differently than we do as His creation.

However, while I might have a different view on this than other people do, how do I know that the “Mean-Father” belief is inaccurate? One piece of supporting evidence for my belief is found in our passage for this episode. While there are several passages in the gospels that help show us a better picture of God the Father, our passage for this episode answers this challenge regarding the Father’s character a little more directly than most. And like I hinted at a moment ago, this passage also gives us the key to learning more about who the Father is and what He is like.

Our passage is found in the gospel of Luke, in chapter 10, and we will read if using the Good News Translation. Starting in verse 21, Luke tells us:

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.”

Did you catch the key to knowing God here? Actually, as I read this just now, I saw three keys included in this passage, with one being a little clearer than the other two.

The first and main key is in Jesus’ words specifically about knowing the Father. Verse 22 tells us, “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.” Note that last part: “and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” From Jesus’ own lips we read that He is the only one who really knows the Father, and He is the only One who can reveal the Father to others.

This tells me that either Jesus was incredibly arrogant and should not be believed in this case (which is what popular culture wants us to do), or He was sharing a significant truth about God that we would be wise to pay attention to.

If Jesus is the only way for us to really know who the Father is, then anyone who claims to have knowledge about God, or the absence of God, must present it through the lens of Jesus. If they don’t share their ideas with this filter, then they are giving an opinion. It might be their opinion, someone else’s opinion, or even Satan’s opinion, but if we believe Jesus’ words here, any claims about God that do not come through Jesus are merely opinions.

The second key is a little trickier to see, but it is in the first portion of Jesus’ statement. He says in verse 21: “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.” In this phrase, we have a brief picture of God, and we can see that God may hide information from the wise and knowledgeable people, while helping show it to those without much education. This may relate to faith, but there is nothing included in this passage to make the knowledge God shares to the unlearned exclusively faith related.

The second key is simply realizing that God may choose to hide Himself from some people. Just like the first key places dependence on Jesus being the one who can choose to reveal God the Father, God the Father Himself can choose to stay hidden or give evidence of Himself to people.

The third key comes at the very beginning of this passage, in how Luke describes the scene. The first part of verse 21 says, “At that time Jesus was filled with joy by the Holy Spirit . . .” This leads into the statement that includes the second and first keys, but here in this third key, we see the Holy Spirit inspiring these words themselves.

By simply observing how Luke describes this event, we can see that the Holy Spirit must be present for someone to understand God the Father in a correct way, and the Holy Spirit is needed when looking at how Jesus reveals the Father, and the Holy Spirit is important when looking at how God the Father chooses to reveal Himself.

In this passage, we have three keys to knowing about God the Father, and each key relates to a member of the Godhead. This also says that any opinion about God that is gained outside of these three keys is simply opinion. It may be a close to accurate opinion or it could be a complete distortion of God, but it is entirely opinion.

Jesus concludes by telling the disciples how fortunate they are to see Jesus in person, because many people throughout all the other points in history wanted to see and hear what they saw and heard. For us living today, we have their testimony, passed down from the first century to help us understand better what God is like.

However, while Bible study is great, it must also be done in the context of our three keys in order to get the most out of it. Like this passage challenges us, we must look through Jesus’ life and ministry to understand the scriptures, God must want to teach us something and open up a truth for us, and the Holy Spirit must be present in order for us to make an accurate conclusion to what we are learning.

As we come to the end of another podcast episode, here are the challenges I will leave you with:

As I always challenge you to do, intentionally seek God first in your life, and place growing towards Him as a priority in your life.

Also, as I regularly challenge you to do in one way or another, continue prayerfully studying the Bible for yourself, understanding and applying the three keys we just learned in this passage, in order to learn and understand more of what God wants to share with you. While other people often share ideas and opinions, frame everything you hear, read, and see within the framework of Jesus’ ministry. Only through looking at Jesus does history make sense.

And as I end every set of challenges by saying in one way or another, never stop short of, back away from, chicken out of, or abandon where God wants to lead you to in your life with Him!