Can You Really "Draw Close to God"? - "The Son Is Willing to Reveal Him"

In his Word, Jehovah provides the most intimate revelation of himself through his beloved Son, Jesus. No one could reflect God's thinking and feelings more closely or explain Him more vividly than Jesus did. After all, that first-born Son existed alongside his Father before other spirit creatures and the physical universe were created.  (Colossians 1:15)  Jesus was intimately acquainted  with Jehovah.  That is why he could say:  "Who the Son is no one knows but the Father; and who the Father is no one knows but the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal him." (Luke 10:22) When on earth as a man, Jesus revealed his Father in two important ways.

First, Jesus' teachings help us to know his Father.  Jesus described Jehovah in terms that touch our heart.  For example, to explain this merciful God who welcomes back repentant sinners, Jesus likened Jehovah to a forgiving  father who is so deeply moved at the sight of his returning prodigal son that he runs and falls upon his son's neck and tenderly kisses him.  (Luke 15:11-24)  Jesus also portrayed Jehovah as a God who "draws " righthearted people  because he loves them as individuals.  (John 6:44)   He even knows when a tiny sparrow falls to the earth.  "Have no fear, Jesus explained,  "You are worth more than many sparrows."  (Matthew 10:29, 31) We cannot help but feel drawn to such a caring God. 

Second, Jesus' example shows us what Jehovah is like.  Jesus so perfectly reflected his Father that he could say: "He that has seen me has seen the Father also ." (John 14:9)  Thus, when we read in the Gospels about Jesus-the feelings he displayed and the way he dealt with others-we are in a sense seeing a living portrait of his Father.   Jehovah could hardly have given us a clearer revelation of his qualities than that. Why? 

To illustrate: Imagine trying to explain what kindness is. You might define it with words.  But if you can point to someone actually performing a kind deed and say, "That  is an example of kindness," the word  "kindness" takes  on added meaning and becomes easier to understand.  Jehovah has done something similar to help us grasp what he is like.  As well as describing himself in words, he has provided us with the living example of his Son. In Jesus, the qualities of God are seen in action.  Through the Gospel accounts describing Jesus, Jehovah is, in effect, saying:  "That is what I am like."   How does the inspired record describe Jesus when on earth? 

Next time: Can You Really "Draw Close to God"? - Conclusion of "The Son Is Willing to Reveal Him" 

From the book: Draw Close to Jehovah