Son of God

 

And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”    (Matthew 3:17)

 

Son of God

 

The Son of God. More than a name, it is the claim to a title—a title of divinity. That claim is precisely the source of the controversy that has surrounded Jesus for two thousand years. But what does it mean for Jesus to be identified as the divine Son? Perhaps the most complete ｅxpression of Jesus as the Son is found in the writings of the Apostle John. Here are just a few of the insights He gives us into this Father-Son relationship.

 

The relationship is unique in terms of its intimacy. Jesus is God’s only Son (John 3:16). He is one with His Father (John 10:30). He is in a position at His Father’s side, revealing God to us (John 1:18). only through the analogy of the family relationship can our finite minds begin to grasp the intimacy of this unique relationship.

 

The relationship is also one of complete obedience. Jesus Himself says that His love for His Father is demonstrated by His obedience to all the Father’s commands (John 14:31; 15:10). So, too, our love is demonstrated by our obedience (John 14:15).

 

It is a relationship marked by a shared sense of purpose and mission. For the Father placed everything into the Son’s hands (John 3:35), and no one can come to the Father except through the Son (John 14:6). In His death, Jesus completed the work His Father gave Him to do (John 14:17). To share God’s divine image was to share His mission.

 

How amazing, then, that Jesus—the Son of God—came to earth in order that we, too, might become children of God. “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God …” (John 1:12–13).

 

As you consider the Son of God today, don’t miss the wonder—and don’t fail to worship!

 

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (I John 3:1)

 

Remember, you bear your Father’s image!                    —Mari Gonlag