Jesus Represents

Jesus Represents

John 1:18, NLT

No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.

Setting the Scene

Gazing at the skies on a clear night, away from the city lights, we can feel overwhelmed by the vastness of space—and very small in comparison. God can seem distant. We can also feel far removed from the Father when we struggle with conflicts or grief. At those times we must remember to look to Jesus, who perfectly represents the Father. Only the Son communicates God’s glory to us. The phrase “is near to the Father’s heart” pictures Jesus as a child, enjoying a close and warm relationship with his Father. It also suggests the image of two companions enjoying a meal together. According to an ancient custom, the one who reclined next to the master at a meal was the one dearest to him. This is the Son who “has revealed God to us.” The Son lived among people to explain God with his words and by his person. No one can know God apart from Christ. Later John writes about the time Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied” (John 14:8, NLT). Jesus answered, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” (John 14:9, NLT).

Jesus is the visible, tangible image of the invisible God. He is the complete revelation of what God is like. This was startling news for Jews, who knew that no human could see God and live. Yet Jesus could say, “If you want to know what God is like, look at me!”

What is God’s love like? Look at Jesus. How does God feel about hypocrisy? Look at Jesus. What about God’s goodness, grace, and mercy? Look at Jesus.

Getting Personal

What can you do to focus more on Jesus?

God has revealed himself generally in nature and specifically in Scripture and perfectly in Christ. When you feel distant from the Father, remember that his Son is near you and his Spirit is in you.

As you share the faith with others, keep the focus on Jesus. People may believe in God as an idea, a concept, or even a Supreme Being—distant and unknowable. But they need to deal with Christ. What they do with him makes all the difference.

Talking to God

Pray that Jesus would make his character and presence real to you today.