For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands. - John 3:34-35 (NIV)
From the opening verses of the Gospel of John, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” (John 1:1-2), you immediately sense a difference from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). Those gospels focus on the narrative and teachings of Jesus’ ministry. In John, there is no nativity story, no young Jesus; instead, he focuses on Christ's divinity, emphasizing Christ's pre-existence and divine nature, the intimate relationship between Jesus and the Father, and the promised indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This profound portrayal invites us to explore the divine mystery of the Trinity. In today’s text, we see the three persons represented in one essence and learn about their relationship.
The Sent One: Jesus (the Son), sent by God (the Father), is both fully God and fully human, distinct from the Father yet one in essence.
Speaks the Words of God: The Son speaks with the authority and words of God, emphasizing the unity and the shared nature of the Father and the Son.
God Gives the Spirit Without Limit: The Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, is given abundantly and works through Jesus, signifying the shared divinity and unity among the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Father Loves the Son: There is an intimate relationship and love between the Father and the Son.
Placed Everything in His Hands: The Father gave the Son authority and power, showing their unity in purpose and divine plan.
As Christ's followers, we are called and sent.
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20)
How do we experience the presence and work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as evidence in our spiritual journey and daily lives?
The Father: God the Father is the creator and sustainer of all things. He loves us unconditionally, and His will is the ultimate purpose we seek to fulfill.
The Son (Jesus Christ): Jesus, the Son, is the mediator between God and humanity. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He provides a way for us to be reconciled with God. Jesus' teachings, example, and sacrifice demonstrate God's love and grace. He also intercedes for us and provides an example of how to live a life pleasing to God.
The Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is God’s presence within us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us to live according to God's will. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, leads us into truth, and equips us with spiritual gifts. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience God's power and presence in our daily lives.
The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit work together perfectly, in unity, to guide, save, and sustain us, enabling us to fulfill God's purposes and live out their faith.
Heavenly Father, we thank You for revealing Yourself to us through Your Word and the divine mystery of the Trinity. Help us to understand and embrace Your infinite love and wisdom. Lord Jesus, guide us in Your truth and grace and empower us to live as Your disciples. Holy Spirit, fill our hearts with Your presence, comfort, and strength, and lead us in all truth. May we faithfully follow You and fulfill Your purposes in our lives. We pray in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
Comentarios