The people who walked in darkness
    have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
    on them light has shined.

For a child has been born for us,
    a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
    and he is named
Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace

Colossians 1:15 NRSV - He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.

John 10:30, 38b NRSV - “The Father and I are one” ... “The Father is in me and I am in the Father."

Big Idea: Jesus reveals the heart of the Father - a love that never leaves, never fades, and always welcomes His children home. In Him, we find belonging, security, and care that lasts forever.

John 14:1-3 NRSV - Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house there are many dwelling-places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also.

Jesus brings us home with His Father.

John 14:4-7 NRSV - "And you know the way to the place where I am going.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

Jesus brings us home with His Father forever, beginning now.

John 14:8-11 NRSV - Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, but if you do not, then believe because of the works themselves.

Jesus brings us home with His Father, forever beginning now, through believing in him.

Some takeaways:

• If you want to know what God is like, look at Jesus and keep looking.
• Take on the family characteristics of our heavenly Father revealed in Christ.
• Pray; converse with our heavenly Father.

About Steve Drudge: Steve served as a pastor for 38 years in Markham and Baden. Along with his wife, Lynelle, of 42 years, Steve has 4 children and 7 grandchildren, all of whom live close by, which both surprises and delights them. Steve retired from ministry 2 years ago and enjoys gardening, woodworking, DIY jobs, hiking, cycling, reading and some travel.