Dear Family and Friends,

I once shook the hand of a famous person. His name: President Bill Clinton. He was the guest of honor at a large event in Waikiki and was walking around during a break.

Does this mean I know the President? Nope. I know about him but cannot, even with that brief encounter, say that I know him.

As we continue our month long celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, today we will look at another gift from Jesus. This gift, another reason why Jesus came, is best described in this passage.

“All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.” Matthew 11:27 NIV

The Greek word for reveal means to teach things unknown. Jesus came to teach us what was previously unknown about the Father.

Was this because God changed? No, what changed was, “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways.” Hebrews 1:1 NIV

The ancient Israelites knew about God much like how I know about President Clinton – through the words of others.

You may be wondering what did Jesus teach or reveal about the Father, and how did He do it?

Let me start with this passage of Jesus speaking with a disciple, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” John 14:9 NIV

Jesus came to reveal the nature and character of God, and did so by being Himself. If we want to know what God really is like, all we have to do is look at Jesus. Pay attention to the words He chose. Observe how He acted and reacted in situations, and the way He treated people.

What follows is just a sampling of the nature and character of Jesus.

  • Jesus is compassionate and caring. The scriptures are full of examples of Jesus healing and caring for all who asked.
  • Jesus has a humble servant heart. Jesus told of Himself, “the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve.” Matthew 20:28 NIV
  • Jesus is merciful and forgiving. As He hung dying on the cross, “Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 NIV
  • Jesus is selfless. “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” Luke 22:42 NIV

All these can be summed up as: Jesus is love.

And all these and more that speak to the nature and character of Jesus, can also be said of our Father.

So, now that we have a better understanding of what Jesus revealed about our Father, allow me to share why this Big Reveal is such a big deal for each of us.

We recently returned from a trip to visit our grandchildren and celebrate our grandson’s birthday. And we spent time getting to know our 7 month old granddaughter.

At that young age, it’s become apparent how differently she reacts to each person.

She reaches out her little arms and lunges whenever mom enters the room. She squeals with delight when brother is around. For her dad, you can see fun-times-are-here written all over her face.

It’s really cute watching her grip Nana’s arm or blouse with her tiny but strong hands when Nana carries her, never wanting to let go. And for me, she always has a sweet smile that never fails to melt my heart. 

I must admit that the feelings and the love we have for her rose exponentially as we got to know her and spent precious time with her. 

Likewise, since Jesus came to reveal the true nature of God, our ability to obey His command to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, rose exponentially as well.

Loving someone that we know about through the words of others is just not the same as loving someone we personally know.

If the first step to loving someone is knowing the person, then the first step to loving God is to know Him. Jesus did that for us. 

In love always,