Digging Deeper: Jesus Reveals the Father
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation
Colossians 1:15 (NLT)
JESUS REVEALS THE FATHER
A little boy was drawing furiously with crayons when his teacher leaned over and asked, “What are you drawing?” Without looking up, he replied, “God.” The teacher smiled and said, “But no one knows what God looks like.” Without missing a beat, the boy shot back, “They will when I’m done!” While the boy’s confidence was endearing, he wasn’t alone in wanting to “see” God. Throughout history, humanity has longed to know what God is like. The good news? We don’t have to guess—Jesus reveals Him.
Colossians 1:15 tells us, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation.” Everything about God—His character, power, love, and holiness—is fully revealed in Jesus. When Philip asked Jesus to “show us the Father,” Jesus responded in John 14:9, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father! So why are you asking me to show him to you?”
Jesus isn’t just a representative of God; He is God. Colossians 1:19 affirms this truth: “For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ.” The same God who created the universe, called Abraham, and led Israel now stands before us in the person of Jesus. Through Him, we understand that God is not distant but present and relational.
The fact that Jesus reveals the Father means we can stop wondering about who God is and start embracing a relationship with Him. In your daily struggles, Jesus shows us the Father’s compassion. When you feel unworthy, Jesus reminds you of God’s forgiveness. And when you face uncertainty, Jesus points to God’s sovereignty.
Reflection Questions:
- How does knowing that Jesus reveals the Father change the way you view God?
- What step can you take this week to deepen your understanding of Jesus as the image of God?
Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to us. Through You, we see God’s love, power, and grace in action. Help me to draw closer to You so that I may know the Father more deeply. Let my life reflect Your goodness and truth to those around me. Amen.
Dr. Larry Grays is the father of four and lives in the Canton area. Larry consults with churches, schools, city governments, and businesses nationwide. He’s been a member of the NorthStar family for over 20 years.