Beginning in the thirteenth chapter of John, we see that Jesus began teaching His disciples specifically and with intention. We know this because the disciple that betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver (named Judas Iscariot) had already left. Note that at the time, the disciples thought the reason Judas left was because Jesus wanted Judas to buy the things that were needed for the feast (since Judas was responsible for the money), or conversely, that Judas had left to give money to the poor. They did not understand what Jesus said when He spoke to Judas Iscariot (the son of Simon), saying, "That thou doest, do quickly." (John 13:21-30)
(As an aside, we find ourselves often in the same position. We read a particular passage of scripture without any real understanding, and then one day, the blinders come off and the kingdom of God and His righteousness is revealed).
But after Judas left, Jesus began to share the essence of the kingdom of God with His disciples. Why now? The hour had come that the Son of man should be glorified. (John 12:23) Jesus had been telling them that the hour was coming when they would see Him no more. "Now is the Son of man glorified, and God be glorified in Him. If God be glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself and straightway glorify Him." (John 13:31-32)
Why is this important? So that God in ALL things may be glorified THROUGH Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen." (I Peter 4:11)
The reason for God being manifest in flesh was about to be revealed. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) God's ultimate plan of redemption from before the worlds were framed was on the horizon. But there is much more to understand here, and the disciples (like us too when we begin our faith journey) needed further insight.
Herein, Jesus tells His disciples, calling them "little children" -- that in a short time Jesus will no longer be with His disciples, and, whither He goes, these cannot come. Jesus has not yet been captured, although we are aware from other gospels that Judas has gone to strike a deal with the powers that be.
The reason for God being manifest in flesh was about to be revealed. (I Timothy 3:16; Isaiah 9:6) God's ultimate plan of redemption from before the worlds were framed was on the horizon. But there is much more to understand here, and the disciples (like us too when we begin our faith journey) needed further insight.
Herein, Jesus tells His disciples, calling them "little children" -- that in a short time Jesus will no longer be with His disciples, and, whither He goes, these cannot come. Jesus has not yet been captured, although we are aware from other gospels that Judas has gone to strike a deal with the powers that be.
Jesus begins with a new commandment. "That ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34) Why? Because if we love one another, then all shall know that ye/we are Jesus disciples. (John 13:15)
But Simon Peter was still stuck on where Jesus was going, asking the Lord specifically where He goest? He is not alone in his questions. Within a short span of time, the conversation has turned to Thomas who asks, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said unto Thomas, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him AND HAVE SEEN HIM." (John 14:6-7)
But Simon Peter was still stuck on where Jesus was going, asking the Lord specifically where He goest? He is not alone in his questions. Within a short span of time, the conversation has turned to Thomas who asks, "Lord, we know not whither Thou goest, and how can we know the way?" Jesus said unto Thomas, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Me. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him AND HAVE SEEN HIM." (John 14:6-7)
As you can see, this is not the teaching associated with the modern day religious culture that promotes God as three persons, a tri-une God or trinity. What Jesus is telling His disciples is that He is the Father, and if you had known Jesus, ye should have known the Father also "and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him. (John 14:6-7) Not another as religion presents, but one and the same God who loved us enough to take on a sin-prone flesh (even though He Himself was without sin) and dwell among us. (John 1:1-18)
Yes, Jesus teaching is not one and the same with the religious dogma that has (and sadly still is) presented as truth. Indeed, Jesus is saying something totally different here. As a consequence, you have a decision to make. Are you going to believe what man-made religion has told you -- the same religion that is supposed to be based on Jesus and the biblical scriptures -- or, rather believe the words of Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords who is the source of ALL wisdom and knowledge?
Yes, Jesus teaching is not one and the same with the religious dogma that has (and sadly still is) presented as truth. Indeed, Jesus is saying something totally different here. As a consequence, you have a decision to make. Are you going to believe what man-made religion has told you -- the same religion that is supposed to be based on Jesus and the biblical scriptures -- or, rather believe the words of Jesus -- the King of kings and Lord of lords who is the source of ALL wisdom and knowledge?
Still, the disciples struggled with this understanding, as evidenced by Philip's question. He said unto Jesus -- "Lord, show us the Father, and it suffices us." What did Jesus say unto him? "Have I been so long time with you and yet, hast thou not known Me, Philip? He that hath seen Me hath seen the Father, and how sayest thou [then] "Shew us the Father." Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of Myself, but the Father that dwelleth in Me, He doeth the works." (John 14:8-10)
Jesus said, "Believe Me that I [am] in the Father, and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works sake." (John 14:11)
This is not the first time the disciples had heard Jesus say these things. Remember, in the Mount of Olives, Jesus had said, "I am the Light of the world. He that follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the Light of life?" (John 8:12) What happened? Herein, the Pharisees quickly accused Jesus of bearing a record that was not true. At least not true in their minds. Specifically, the Pharisees in their accusation said, "Thou bearest record of Thyself; Thy record is not true." (John 8:13)
Stop! Is this not the reaction of many religious today when confronted with the same question, "Who is Jesus?" Like the Pharisees when John baptized unto repentance, there will be accusations and musing from the banks of the shore but never obeying, and certainly never getting in the water. Mocking, they will ask, "How can Jesus be the Light of life?" Or, they will quickly close their Bible when shown from the scriptures that Jesus is both Lord and Christ, making accusations that the record that Jesus professed is a twist of scriptures.
On rare occasions, someone might actually say that Jesus is God manifest in the flesh. (I Timothy 3:16) That God was in the world, and the world was made by Him, but the world knew Him not. (John 1:1-18) That Jesus and the Father are one. (John 10:30-33)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Earlier, Jesus had shared with Martha saying, "I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)
"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Earlier, Jesus had shared with Martha saying, "I am the Resurrection and the Life; he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live." (John 11:25)
But I digress. What did Jesus say to the Pharisees?
"Though I bear record of Myself, [yet] My record is true, for I know whence I came, and whither I go, but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh. I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgement is true, for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your Law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me beareth witness of Me." (John 8:13-18)
"Though I bear record of Myself, [yet] My record is true, for I know whence I came, and whither I go, but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. Ye judge after the flesh. I judge no man. And yet if I judge, My judgement is true, for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent Me. It is also written in your Law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of Myself, and the Father that sent Me beareth witness of Me." (John 8:13-18)
Then said they unto Him, "Where is Thy Father?" Jesus answered, "Ye neither know Me, nor My Father. If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also." (John 8:19)
Is this not the same message that Jesus gave to Thomas, and to Philip, and to all the disciples? Jesus repeatedly told the disciples, "If ye had known Me, ye should have known My Father also, and from henceforth ye know Him and have seen Him." (John 14:7)
"For in Him dwells ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
Jesus did not mince words. In fact, throughout the new testament, the apostles point to Jesus as the one and only Saviour. Jesus as the Bread of Life. Jesus as the Light of the World. Jesus as the I AM of the old covenant. Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Jesus - King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, to the apostles, there was only one God and His name is Jesus.
JESUS --the name given to us in this dispensation of grace. JESUS - the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
"For in Him dwells ALL the fullness of the Godhead bodily." (Colossians 2:9)
Jesus did not mince words. In fact, throughout the new testament, the apostles point to Jesus as the one and only Saviour. Jesus as the Bread of Life. Jesus as the Light of the World. Jesus as the I AM of the old covenant. Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. Jesus -- Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. Jesus - King of kings and Lord of lords. Indeed, to the apostles, there was only one God and His name is Jesus.
JESUS --the name given to us in this dispensation of grace. JESUS - the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:37-42)
But then comes the famous question from the religious community because they do not want to believe that this same Almighty God that created man in the beginning loved them enough to shed His precious holy blood on a cross for them. The question? "Was Jesus talking to Himself?" After all, while Jesus was in the world, He referred to His Father continually.
For an answer, let's look specifically toward the end of Jesus teachings to the disciples -- John 16 -- although there are numerous other scriptural examples that could have been cited here as well. Note too that Jesus is still continuing the original conversation with His eleven disciples that began in the thirteenth chapter of the book of John, wherein He has stated both to Thomas and Philip, "If ye have seen Me, ye have seen the Father."
Jesus said, "And IN THAT DAY, YE SHALL ASK ME NOTHING. Verily, verily, I say unto you, "Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in My name, He will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in My name. Ask and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full." (John 16:23-24)
Until this time -- as Jesus points out -- "These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time comes, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father." (John 16:25)
The time "will come" when Jesus shall show us plainly of the Father. This was said before Jesus death on the cross, but now "after Jesus' resurrection, the time has come" when He can speak freely of His abundance of love for His creation, and His beloved bride -- the body of Christ which He redeemed and sanctified through His body broken on the cross for you and I. So that we -- you and I will know the greatest love story ever given to mankind.
And He has done so through His Word.
Then said Jesus, "AT THAT DAY, YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME AND I SAY NOT UNTO YOU THAT I WILL PRAY THE FATHER FOR YOU." Why? "For the Father Himself loves you because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father." (John 16:26-28)
Read Jesus' words to us again. "AT THAT DAY, YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME AND I SAY NOT UNTO YOU THAT I WILL PRAY THE FATHER FOR YOU FOR THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVES YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE LOVED ME AND HAVE BELIEVED THAT I CAME OUT FROM GOD."
In that day -- now --- Jesus no longer has to pray the Father because HE IS THE FATHER. He is the Word that was in the beginning with God and WAS GOD -- the same God who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Yes, Jesus the "only begotten of the Father" came forth from the Father and came into the world, and when He left the world He returned to the Father. This is why the Holy Ghost could not be given until after Jesus was taken up. (John 14:26)
Then, AFTER was taken up, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles. (Acts 1:2)
Not a third person in a man-made false trinity that does anything but accept the Word of God as stated, but God Himself -- our heavenly Father -- the SAME Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son that would save His people from their sin, now desires to live in our hearts today.
"And they shall call His name JESUS." (Matthew 1:21-23)
How many times did Jesus tell those around Him -- "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but He sent Me." (John 8:42)
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7)
"But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me." (John 15:26)
"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER AND EVER -- [Even] the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:1-17)
The time "will come" when Jesus shall show us plainly of the Father. This was said before Jesus death on the cross, but now "after Jesus' resurrection, the time has come" when He can speak freely of His abundance of love for His creation, and His beloved bride -- the body of Christ which He redeemed and sanctified through His body broken on the cross for you and I. So that we -- you and I will know the greatest love story ever given to mankind.
And He has done so through His Word.
Then said Jesus, "AT THAT DAY, YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME AND I SAY NOT UNTO YOU THAT I WILL PRAY THE FATHER FOR YOU." Why? "For the Father Himself loves you because ye have loved Me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father." (John 16:26-28)
Read Jesus' words to us again. "AT THAT DAY, YE SHALL ASK IN MY NAME AND I SAY NOT UNTO YOU THAT I WILL PRAY THE FATHER FOR YOU FOR THE FATHER HIMSELF LOVES YOU BECAUSE YOU HAVE LOVED ME AND HAVE BELIEVED THAT I CAME OUT FROM GOD."
In that day -- now --- Jesus no longer has to pray the Father because HE IS THE FATHER. He is the Word that was in the beginning with God and WAS GOD -- the same God who came unto His own and His own received Him not. (John 1:10-11) Yes, Jesus the "only begotten of the Father" came forth from the Father and came into the world, and when He left the world He returned to the Father. This is why the Holy Ghost could not be given until after Jesus was taken up. (John 14:26)
Then, AFTER was taken up, Jesus THROUGH the Holy Ghost gave commandments to His apostles. (Acts 1:2)
Not a third person in a man-made false trinity that does anything but accept the Word of God as stated, but God Himself -- our heavenly Father -- the SAME Holy Ghost that overshadowed Mary so that she could bring forth a son that would save His people from their sin, now desires to live in our hearts today.
"And they shall call His name JESUS." (Matthew 1:21-23)
How many times did Jesus tell those around Him -- "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but He sent Me." (John 8:42)
"Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send Him unto you." (John 16:7)
"But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26)
"But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of Truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me." (John 15:26)
"And I will pray the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that HE MAY ABIDE WITH YOU FOR EVER AND EVER -- [Even] the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive because it sees Him not, neither knows Him: but ye know Him; for He dwells with you, and shall be in you." (John 14:1-17)
"This is He that came by water and blood, [even] Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is Truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost AND THESE THREE ARE ONE. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood and these three agree in one. If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believes on the Son of God hath the witness in himself. He that believes not God hath made him a liar, because he believes not the record that God gave of His Son." (I John 5:6-10)
Again, as Jesus stated time after time, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God. Neither came I of myself, but He sent Me." (John 8:42)
Again, as Jesus stated time after time, "If God were your Father, ye would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God. Neither came I of myself, but He sent Me." (John 8:42)
Therefore, "the anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him." (I John 2:27)
This is why we "have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things." (I John 2:20)
Just like the disciples, who when Jesus breathed on them received the Holy Ghost, so can we know the truth that will set us free -- when we believe the scripture, and the Word which Jesus has said.
"When therefore He was risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this unto them, and they believed the scripture, and the Word which Jesus had said." (John 2:22)
Don't be like the Pharisees and scribes who quickly refused to believe that Jesus record was true. Instead, "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needs not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth." (II Timothy 2:15)
Be clothed in His garment of righteousness, and know that the anointing which ye have received of Him abides in you.
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One Father of all. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
His name is Jesus.
Stand in the offering plate.
"One Lord, One faith, One baptism. One Father of all. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Ephesians 4:5-6)
His name is Jesus.
Stand in the offering plate.
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