Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December 2022.
Thanks for joining our study on “earthly” Father’s Day, but in the Bible, every day is “Our Father’s Day.” And, according to Jesus, perhaps today should be named “One Father’s Day” since He said:
“And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).
Jesus was channeling the prophet Malachi, a “messianic messenger” author of the Old Testament’s self-named last book. (See Vol. 216.) Malachi wrote:
“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?” (Malachi 2:10).
Jesus also said: “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30).
So much to ponder here. Let’s start with the theological truth that Jesus’s relationship with God the Father is central to His identity and mission. Cue His most famous “Lord’s prayer.” (See Vol. 76.) When acknowledging His Father, Jesus instructed His disciples to “pray then like this”:
"Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil” (Mathew 6:9-13).
Jesus begins the prayer by addressing “Our Father,” indicating that He has a relationship with the Almighty and invites humankind to enter that relationship. However, the notion of any person, regardless of status, having a “relationship” with God was then (and still can be) considered somewhat radical, unrealistic, or downright scary. Further complicating the theology is the verse we just read in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.” And again in Matthew, “And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven” (Matthew 23:9).
Indeed, all this “truth” is difficult to comprehend and can be perceived as insulting to earthly fathers, but Jesus was speaking from a heavenly, eternal perspective. The larger question is how can Jesus be “one” with the Father? My simplistic answer is that to believe in Jesus, one must know with every fiber of one's being that He is God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And then act accordingly, living your life trying to glorify Him with your gifts and talents.
To recap: Jesus prays to His Father and Our Father. He invites us to pray along. At the same time, “I and the Father are one” means that He existed in two persons while on earth. Then, after Jesus was resurrected, He sent His Holy Spirit to complete the Trinity.
I have always appreciated how C.S. Lewis explains the Trinity in “Mere Christianity,” his classic 1952 published book. Lewis discussed how Christ was manifested as one triune God, much like water, ice, and steam. All three are water, but exist in different forms and appear naturally. That water analogy resonates because water is the vital element for all living things, and rebirth is through the water of baptism. For more about water in the Bible, see Vol. 62 and 63.
The magnificence of Jesus is that he is our approachable father, a human who walked the earth. He was betrayed and suffered death on the cross. And if He were only human, His story could have ended there. But He was divine, and now His Holy Spirit lives and dwells among us. He is a loving father, and we are invited to be His children. Do you talk to Him? I do. My favorite time is when my head hits the pillow and I “tell” Him what is on my mind. You might try doing the same. Jesus wants a relationship with us as Fathers long for relationships with their children.
God, like earthly fathers, showed His love by applauding His son's actions during two pivotal events in the New Testament. First at Jesus’ baptism:
“As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased’” (Matthew 3:16-17).
The second time the Father proudly praised His son from heaven was at the “Transfiguration.” On a high mountain top:
“There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus...a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” (Matthew 17:1-6). (See Vol. 26.)
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently refers to God as “Father.” John’s Gospel records Jesus referring to the Father more than 100 times. The following passage is especially revealing on Father’s Day and every day when you are seeking the Father for challenges or blessings in your life. Partially quoted below:
“Philip said, ‘Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.’ Jesus answered.. “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?’” (John 14:9).
As previously noted, this is a complex theological concept. However, with great authority, Jesus explains to Philip who He is in relation to His Father:
“‘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. Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it’” (John 14:8-14).
Any doubters out there? Raise your hand, (if you dare). Speaking truth to His power, Jesus teaches us how and why He reigns supreme with His heavenly Father. Recall that God at the Transfiguration said, “Listen to Him!” and especially at the end of Matthew:
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:19-20).
The power of our Heavenly Father has spoken on Father’s Day. And again, “Listen to Him!” Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” reprints Vols. 57 –113. Order it here.
She is also the Executive Director of the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit, dedicated to building a future permanent Shroud of Turin exhibit in Washington, D.C. Join our effort! Click to attend a major Shroud conference July 31- August 2 in St. Louis. Contact: <MyraAdams01@gmail.com>
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