Seeing the Father Through the Son
As the Day Begins
As we step into this new morning and into this sacred season of Advent, we enter a time of anticipation—a time of remembering the coming of Christ and longing for the fullness of His Kingdom. Today’s Scripture, John 17:5–8, draws us into the depths of Jesus’ heart during His High Priestly Prayer. Here, Jesus reveals the purpose of His earthly ministry and opens a window into the eternal relationship between Himself and the Father. In doing so, He invites us to see the Father’s heart more clearly than humanity ever could before Jesus took on flesh.
Many of us have been taught from childhood that Jesus came, as Luke 19:10 says, “to seek and to save that which was lost.” That is certainly true. But Jesus’ mission also carried a deeper purpose: He came to reveal the true nature and glory of the Father in a way no prophet, no law, and no vision could ever accomplish. From the trickle of revelation in Eden, to the stream of the Law under Moses, to the rushing river through the prophets, God had been unveiling Himself piece by piece. But then Jesus came—and the dam broke. In Christ, the fullness of God’s heart, character, and glory was poured out for all who would receive Him.
Meditation
John 17:5–8 reads:
“And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world began. I have revealed You to those whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me and they have obeyed Your word. Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. For I gave them the words You gave Me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from You, and they believed that You sent Me.”
In this intimate prayer, Jesus speaks as One who remembers His eternal glory—a glory He laid aside to walk among us. It is staggering to consider this: before Bethlehem, before the shepherds, before the manger lights glowed in the night, Jesus lived in the shared radiance of divine glory with the Father. Advent is not simply the celebration of His birth; it is the celebration of His willing descent. Jesus stepped out of eternity so we might step into His life. He crossed the divide so we could know the Father without fear.
The heart of these verses reveals Jesus as the ultimate interpreter of God’s nature. The Law could tell us what God requires. The prophets could tell us what God desires. But Jesus shows us who God is. When He touched the leper, we saw the Father’s compassion. When He forgave the sinner, we saw the Father’s mercy. When He welcomed children, we saw the Father’s tenderness. And when He laid down His life, we saw the Father’s love poured out without hesitation. Jesus is not merely the messenger—He is the message. He is not merely the pathway—He is the revelation. He is not merely the teacher—He is the truth embodied in flesh and bone.
As we begin Advent, we are invited not simply to remember but to rediscover—to intentionally seek the One who reveals the Father to us. These weeks leading to Christmas can easily be consumed with preparation, tasks, and lists. But Jesus invites us to prepare our hearts differently. He calls us to watch, to listen, to seek, and to draw near. Through prayer, Scripture, worship, and quiet reflection, we experience the breaking of the “dam” in our own lives—the flood of knowledge, love, mercy, and truth that flows from a deeper relationship with the Father through the Son.
This season is an opportunity to let Jesus reshape our understanding of God. Many people carry distorted images of the Father—images shaped by painful childhoods, broken relationships, or hard experiences. But Jesus corrects those shadows. He shows us that the Father is not distant but near, not condemning but gracious, not unpredictable but steadfast. Everything Jesus spoke, He received from the Father. Everything Jesus did reflected the Father’s heart. As Jesus reveals in verse 8, “They knew with certainty that I came from You.” That certainty is meant to be our anchor today.
And so, as this day begins, let us choose to step closer. As Advent unfolds, let us seek the Lord with intention. Let us listen for His voice, study His Word, and allow the character of Jesus to shape our understanding of the Father. Let the Christmas lights remind us not just of seasonal beauty but of the eternal light breaking into the world. Let every moment of quiet become a small sanctuary where the Father’s heart is revealed again through the presence of His Son.
Triune Prayer
Father, I come before You with a heart that longs to know You more deeply. In the quiet of this morning, I thank You for Your steadfast love—a love that stretches from eternity past into this very moment. You are not hidden from me; through Your Son, You have opened the way for me to see Your character, Your compassion, and Your desire for relationship. As I walk through this day, help me release the distorted images I sometimes carry about who You are. Replace them with the truth of Your nature revealed through Jesus. Strengthen my spirit, steady my steps, and draw me closer into the wonder of Your presence.
Lord Jesus, Son of God, You are the Word made flesh, the visible image of the invisible God. Through You, I see the Father clearly, and through Your life, I witness the depth of His love. Thank You for stepping out of glory and into our world, bringing light to our darkness and hope to our brokenness. As I enter this Advent season, help me fix my gaze on Your mission and on the truth You reveal about the Father’s heart. May Your words dwell richly within me. May Your example guide my choices today. And may Your love transform the way I see others, the way I serve, and the way I walk in faith.
Holy Spirit, Breath of God, I invite You to awaken my heart to the truth of Your presence. Shine Your light on the Scriptures I read, illuminating them with wisdom and insight. Stir in me the desire to seek the Father with greater intentionality, especially in these Advent days. Remind me of the words Jesus spoke, anchor me in His promises, and empower me to live with peace, joy, and obedience. Shape my thoughts, refine my motives, and fuel my spirit with the courage to trust God in all things. Lead me into deeper communion with Father and Son, and renew me with Your comforting presence throughout this day.
Thought for the Day
As Advent begins, seek Jesus with intention—and in seeking Him, you will see the Father more clearly.
Thank you for beginning your day in God’s presence.
Relevant Link for Further Reflection
For more insight on knowing God through Christ, see this helpful article from The Gospel Coalition:
https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/
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