Jesus' Mission - "To Make God Known."

The gospel writer John states in John 1:18 that
"No one has ever seen God, but God the One and Only, who is at the Father's side, has made him known."

And John records Jesus' closing prayer in John 17:25,26 these words:
"Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made you known to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them."

Would it be safe to assume then that between these two verses (John 1:18 and 17:26) John the gospel writer has 'made God known?' Would a careful study of John's gospel reveal what God the Father is really like? Or is it not really that important?

Jesus' Mission - "to make his Father known." Why might this be? Didn't the world know the Father? According to John 17:25,26 the world was ignorant of the Father, and most likely held a wrong picture of God. Could that be possible? Even more dramatic, when Jesus came to earth representing the Father, the world said: "No, you can't be the one we're looking for! You're not what we expected, neither what we want! You can't be God!"

Jesus offered ample evidence as to who he was and why he was sent by the Father, but was instead profoundly despised and soundly rejected. "They hated me without reason," Jesus said (John 15:25). "Take him away! Crucify him! Crucify him!" cried the mob! (John 19:15). Can you imagine: insane religious people who thought they knew God, but in all reality didn't have a clue! No wonder Jesus came "to make God known."

Could the same attitude be valid of our world today? Does Christianity today have the correct picture of God? Could it be possible that Christianity today would accept a counterfeit Christ when he comes? How could it possibly happen? Would not the impersonator, the counterfeit, be exactly as Christianity portrays him to be? Wouldn't it be easy for the world to bow the knee to a deity of such magnificent display, and not know the difference? How will we recognize the fraud from the genuine?

When people are fearful, afraid, and intimidated to the point where no more questions are asked, it could be safe to assume then that reason and logic are no where to be found, and only obedient submission and acceptance of the most popular theories are practiced and adhered to, the enforcement of which may seem correct and admirable on the surface, but underneath signs of coercion, manipulation, threats, and control are all too visible. It is evil at its worst.

Ask Questions!     Ask God Questions!

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