My Father and Your Father
Rev. Tetteh-Annor Larbi | November 13 2024 | John 20:17-18
KEY VERSE:
"Jesus said, 'Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’' John 20:17 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
In John 20:17-18, Jesus' words to Mary Magdalene reveal a profound truth about our relationship with God. When He says, "I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God," Jesus emphasises the shared intimacy we now have with the Father through His resurrection. This statement signifies the new reality for believers: through Jesus' death and resurrection, we are adopted into God's family. God is not just Jesus' Father; He is our Father too. This new relationship changes everything, giving us access to the Father's love, guidance, and presence.
Jesus' instruction to Mary not to hold onto Him but to go and tell His disciples the news underscores the importance of sharing the resurrection message. Mary’s encounter with the risen Lord was not just a personal moment of revelation but a pivotal event meant to be shared with others. As followers of Christ, we are also called to share the good news of Jesus' resurrection and the transformative relationship we have with God. Our experience of God's love and our status as His children are not meant to be kept to ourselves but proclaimed to the world, inviting others to experience the same relationship with the Father.
Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the privilege and responsibility of being God's children. We are invited to live in the fullness of this new relationship, embracing the love and security it offers. Knowing God as our Father means we can approach Him confidently and trust, relying on His strength and wisdom in every aspect of our lives. As we go about our daily lives, let us remember the words of Jesus and the mission given to Mary. Let us joyfully share the message that through Jesus, we have been brought into a close and loving relationship with God, our Father. This truth empowers us to live boldly and compassionately, knowing we are deeply loved and called to extend that love to others.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Have this satisfaction that God is our father (ABBA) and he cares for us because of the resurrection of Jesus. Know also that our Father always provides for and protects His children. You are safe in the arms of your Abba.
PRAYER:
Thank you, Abba, for always caring for me and providing for me. I put my trust in you alone. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: FATHER
The term “Father” in Greek, pater (πατήρ), indicates much more than a formal title. In first-century Jewish culture, pater embodied a deep relationship marked by protection, provision, and authority. Jesus' use of “Father” after the resurrection marks a significant shift—extending this intimate title to all who follow Him.
Before Jesus’ resurrection, referring to God as “Father” was a rare privilege, often used with awe and reverence, typically exclusive to Jesus. By declaring “My Father and your Father,” Jesus extends a shared intimacy previously unseen, symbolizing our adoption into a divine family.
Understanding God as “Father” also deepens our trust in His guidance, as a Father who disciplines, directs, and delights in His children. This unique relationship calls us to a deeper reliance on His presence and alignment with His will, knowing we belong to a family held together by love. Reflections: How does knowing God as “Father” shape the way you live each day? Let this truth inspire you to approach Him confidently, trusting in His love and care.
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