18 No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known. — John 1:18 (ESV)
God revealed himself to his chosen people through his written word and law. But words and law weren’t enough to keep his people obedient and faithful. With no new word from God for 400 years, he seemed far away and unconcerned with the plight of his people. Some suggested God had abandoned them. But then: Christmas. The first chapter of John’s Gospel tells us, in the beginning the Word was with God, the Word was God, and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:1 & 14). Later in John’s Gospel, Jesus revealed that whoever had seen him had seen the Father and that he and the Father were one (John 10:31).
As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus was the only one a holy God could accept as a sufficient payment for our sins.
Jesus most clearly revealed the Father on the cross and in his resurrection. On the cross, we see the Father’s holiness. As the perfect sacrifice, Jesus was the only one a holy God could accept as a sufficient payment for our sins. Jesus showed us the righteousness of the Father. The cross fulfilled the law set forth in the covenants. As his broken body was dying on the cross, his words in Matthew were fulfilled: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them” (Matthew 5:17).
Jesus reveals the Father’s mercy and grace.
At the cross, we also encounter the justice of God. Galatians tells us that Jesus became a curse for us when he was crucified, so that, as sinners, we could be redeemed (Galatians 3:13). The wrath of God is revealed by Jesus as the ungodliness and unrighteousness of man is placed upon him. Jesus reveals the Father’s mercy and grace. We didn’t receive what we deserved: death. Instead, we received what we didn’t deserve: the forgiveness of our sins. We see God’s love because, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. We see God’s humility in Jesus’ willingness to endure the cross. Lastly, God’s eternal power, sovereignty, and dominion are revealed by his defeat of death and Satan through his bodily resurrection.
Romans reminds us that “...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). We are victors, children of God, the Church Triumphant. He is risen. He is risen indeed.
Liturgy
O Son of God, beloved of the Father,
It was your joy to reveal the Father to us.
With excitement and passion, you told us of the
immensity of your Father’s love, power, and mercy.
As one who has witnessed true beauty, you told us of your
Father’s watchful eye, generous hand, and attentive ear.
Though we can’t fully wrap our heads around divinity,
you blessed us with glimpses into eternity.
How kind to give us the embodiment of love,
demonstrations of miraculous might,
and descriptions of a character so rich and deep.
Furthermore, you revealed the unity of the Godhead,
oneness with the Father and Spirit,
bringing each person into greater clarity.
O the glory of cascading revelation,
pouring out the loveliness of three in one.
Capture our hearts with the wonder of your faithfulness.
Draw our minds to the fount of all wisdom.
Fix our eyes on the definition of beauty.
In the name of the rescuing, redeeming, saving, revealing God we pray,
Amen.