Jesus and the Father ...

Thursday, June 19, 2018. Jesus claims to be one with God. He claims to be “in God” and have “God in him”. He claims that who sees him, sees God, the father. There is a far reaching claim in the New Testament for which Christians have found the term “trinity”, the unity of God in father, son and holy spirit.

Community and Unity …

What we find here is remarkable and difficult to fully understand at the same time. Jesus is a human, living on earth. At the same time, he claims to be in God: “I am in the father”. He claims that God is in him “the father is in me”. He claims that he represents the father, not that he is the father, but that his relationship with the father is such that who sees him, sees the father.

Look into John 14, where this relationship is explained in detail:

11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it. (from John 14, 11-14)

My first observation here is that it is exciting to observe in what way Jesus is trying to teach and attract his disciples to the idea that he is one with God. He is trying to advertise this idea. He is trying to convince his friends. It seems to be a crucial point for him, an important point.

Promises …

Then we find far reaching promises here. Jesus draws our attention to the consequences of the trinity. When we approach him, we approach God. He has all the power which God has. He can answer prayers. In his name, in his spirit, when we start to become part of his mission, we can ask him, and he will do. He promises “greater work” - for the glory of the father.

Sometimes people read the universal promise here that he will answer any prayer. However, this is fomulated in the framework of God's glory. It is about prayers which are in his name. This is not about saying “in your name” after a request. It is about the spirit in which the request is formulated. It is about following Jesus, about living his mission, living his spirit of truth and mercy.

Whoever believes in me …! It is faith which is in the center of all things. Faith is trust. Faith is decision. Faith is humility. Faith is truth. Faith is love. Faith is dedication. Faith is mercy. Whoever believes in me …! Who ever walks the path of trust in Jesus. Try it and you will see his wonders in your life. (Roland Potthast) ... weitere Texte