How Early Believers Understood Jesus and the Father”
Early Christians, especially those from Jewish backgrounds, were deeply monotheistic.
Their understanding of Jesus as the Son of God and God as His Father was shaped by scripture, experience, and reverence for God’s oneness.
“Insights from Early Believers”
Jesus was seen as uniquely begotten by God, not created like other beings. Hebrews 1:5 quotes God saying,
“You are My Son, today I have begotten You.”
Some early believers, like those influenced by Jewish-Christian traditions, saw Jesus as the Messiah and Son of God, but not equal to the Father in essence.
“The term “Father”
was used to express God’s authority, love, and origin of life.
Jesus calling God “Abba”
Mark 14:36 was intimate,
but Paul later taught that all believers could call God “Abba” too,
Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:6
The early church emphasized that Jesus was sent by the Father, did the Father’s will, and glorified the Father.
He never acted independently.
John 5:19, John 6:38
“How Jesus Spoke About His Father”
Jesus consistently pointed to God as His Father, showing obedience, love, and dependence.
His teachings reveal a deep, reverent relationship, not equality, but submission and unity of purpose.
“Teachings of Jesus About His Father”
Scripture/What Jesus Said/What It Shows
John 5:19
“The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do.”
(Jesus imitates the Father’s will.)
John 14:28
“The Father is greater than I.”
(Jesus acknowledges the Father’s superiority.)
John 6:38
“I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me.” |(Jesus is sent by the Father.)
John 17:1
“Father, the hour has come.
Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may glorify You.”
(Jesus seeks to glorify the Father.)
Matthew 26:39
“Not as I will, but as You will.”
(Jesus submits to the Father’s will.)
John 20:17
“I ascend to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.”
(Jesus distinguishes Himself from the Father.)
These verses reflect a clear distinction between Jesus and the Father, with Jesus always pointing back to God as the source of His mission, authority, and identity.
God gave His only begotten Son.
Oh, how God loves us ❤️