How does Jesus being "at the Father's side" impact our relationship with God? Opening the Text: John 1:18 “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known.” What “at the Father’s side” Really Means - Unbroken intimacy: the Son shares the Father’s immediate presence—nothing separates Them (John 17:5). - Full authority: sitting by the Father’s side is the seat of divine rule (Hebrews 1:3). - Perfect revelation: only One that close can unveil the Father without error or omission (John 14:9). How Jesus’ Place Affects Our Place • Reliable knowledge of God – We don’t grope in the dark; Jesus “has made Him known.” – Every attribute, promise, and command from Jesus carries the Father’s own stamp (John 12:49–50). • Certain access – Because He is “at the Father’s side,” He can bring us there: “through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Ephesians 2:18). – No priestly layers remain; the curtain is torn (Hebrews 10:19–22). • Constant intercession – “Christ Jesus…is at the right hand of God and is interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). – His prayers never fail, so neither does our standing (Hebrews 7:25). • Secure adoption – The Son’s rightful place secures our adopted place: “you received the Spirit of sonship…we are children of God” (Romans 8:15–17). – We approach the Father as family, not visitors. • Ongoing advocacy when we sin – “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). – The same side where He sits is the side from which He defends. Practical Takeaways for Daily Life - Read the Gospels expecting to see the Father’s heart—Jesus’ words and works are the direct disclosure of God. - Pray boldly; the One beside the Father champions every request aligned with His will. - Rest in forgiveness; your Advocate never leaves His post. - Walk in sonship; the Father welcomes you with the same love He has for His Son (John 17:23). Key Scriptures Mentioned John 14:6, 9; John 17:5, 23; Romans 8:15–17, 34; Ephesians 2:18; Hebrews 1:3; Hebrews 4:14–16; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 John 2:1 |
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