YOU KNOW THE FATHER
Tuesday – November 5, 2019, Cheshvan 7, 5780
Greetings precious brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus and welcome back to this illuminating and empowering Bible Study of the Book of John. As I have mentioned many times before the Word of God does not automatically become illumination or empowering. We must receive it as the Word of God, we must believe it as the Word of God, we must put it in first place as the Word of God, and we must do whatever corresponding action is called for in faith, motivated by love, and led of the Holy Spirit. The Word of God is a great and very precious gift that we must handle with the utmost of care and reverence. It you are reading this on Facebook please take a moment to hit the “love” and “share” buttons to expand the reach of the good news. The featured pictures this week except Friday are from around our home, todays picture is of the side door and the wonderful fall decorations Donna so lovingly placed for all to enjoy. Now, let’s turn our attention to our primary Bible text for today.
John 14:5-9 (KJV)
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also: and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.
8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.
9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?
As we move forward in our primary Bible text, we see Jesus telling the disciples if they know Him they should also know the Father. We find the words ‘known’ and ‘know’ three times in our text meaning “to know in a completed sense, that is, to have the knowledge of” according to The Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament. This is not a knowledge of Jesus or the Father that is of the passing or casual variety but one of greater intimacy. These disciples have spent the last three years with Jesus night and day, they know the character and habits of Jesus inside and out. They have heard Him teach day in and day out. They are for sure without excuse concerning His being the Messiah and that He is indeed from the Father. The word ‘henceforth’ means ‘now at this present time’ and ‘hereafter’ or from this day forth. Under the Old Covenant it was not truly possible to know God for they were dead men (dead spirit). Now that God has dealt with the sin issue through faith (our receiving, believing, and acting upon the Word heard) we can be saved or quickened by grace (the Holy Spirit). We can be indwelt by God the Holy Spirit and hear from God directly.
Ephesians 2:5 (KJV)
5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
Jesus is telling them in effect that although you did not recognize the Father in me you will recognize Him going forward and know Him and know you have seen Him in me. They are hours from the Cross and from when they will have the living breath of God within them and quickening them (making their [and ours] spirit man alive). Let’s take a moment and meditate the following passage which occurs immediately after the Resurrection of Jesus.
John 20:21-23 (KJV)
21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
This is not the baptism of the Holy Spirit which we find in the Book of Acts chapter two but the receiving of the Holy Spirit (Grace) for salvation. All in one breath Jesus speaks peace unto them and tells them He is sending them to do as the Father had sent Him to do. The word ‘peace’ here is very important for them and for us. This word means to: (to join), prosperity, to be one, at peace, quietness, rest (provision of God), and set at one again according to Strong’s Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. We are one with Jesus and with the Father, we have been set at one again (with God). We are now partakers as joint-heirs with Jesus of God’s prosperity, His wholeness, His quietness, and His provision. Is there anyone that thinks this cannot be anything but good? Jesus then immediately starts to talk about remitting sin which is the same as forgiving sin. This would generally be sins against us. We are not to hold unforgiveness but to quickly forgive. Failure to do so leaves us in a very bad spot and open for the devil’s deceptions, stealing, killing, and destroying. Recall the following passage. Our faith cannot work when we have unforgiveness we are not operating in Godly love (agape). Remember, love is the power of faith.
Mark 11:25-26 (KJV)
25 And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
26 But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
The verses immediately preceding this passage are instructing us all how to effectively exercise faith. If we do not sow forgiveness, we cannot reap forgiveness.
Until our next publication, as a Bible Teacher and Prophetic Voice I speak this blessing over each and every one of you, receive it, believe it, and speak over yourself and your family by faith in Jesus name!
Numbers 6:24-26 (AMP)
24 The Lord bless you and watch, guard, and keep you;
25 The Lord make His face to shine upon and enlighten you and be gracious (kind, merciful, and giving favor) to you;
26 The Lord lift up His [approving] countenance upon you and give you peace (tranquility of heart and life continually).
By: Dr. David Wood, Author, Bible Teacher, and Prophetic Voice
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