Jesus and God – Garden Faith

The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3 (NIV)

This verse is about Jesus, the Son of God. The radiance of God’s glory. In some versions, it says that Jesus is the reflection of God’s glory or the brightness of God’s glory. Jesus shines or radiates all that is honorable, praiseworthy, and glorious in God. He is divine as God is divine.

In the Old Testament, God spoke in many ways; now, He speaks to us through Jesus. Jesus is the eternal Word of God. He sustains all things by His powerful word.

After Christ was crucified and died on the cross, His work on earth was finished. He ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God the Father. To sit at the right hand is a reference to power and honor. For Jesus, to be seated at the right hand of God shows honor, power, and authority; He reigns with God.

By his Son, God created the world in the beginning, and it will all belong to the Son at the end. This Son perfectly mirrors God, and is stamped with God’s nature. He holds everything together by what he says—powerful words! After he finished the sacrifice for sins, the Son took his honored place high in the heavens right alongside God, far higher than any angel in rank and rule. Hebrews 1:2-3 (MSG)

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, thank You for Your grace and forgiveness. We are blessed for You love us so much that You gave us Your Son, Jesus, the radiance of Your glory. Teach us to follow Jesus, the word of God. Like sunflowers brighten summer days and reflect light, let us shine bright and reflect Jesus’ light. Amen

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I and the Father are one.
John 10:30 (NIV)

Jesus is speaking to his disciples and the Pharisees in John 10. To His critics, Jesus was trying to explain the truth. The Pharisees do not believe Him to be the Messiah, even though Jesus’ teaching and miracles are consistent with the biblical prediction of the Messiah.

²⁵Jesus answered, “I did tell you, but you do not believe. The works I do in my Father’s name testify about me, ²⁶but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. ²⁷My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. ²⁹My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all^[c]; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. ³⁰I and the Father are one.”
John 10:25-30 (NIV)

In verse 30, Jesus proclaims, I and the Father are one. A statement that upset the Pharisees; they considered it arrogant, rude, and blasphemy. They are angry and try to stone Him, but Jesus escapes.

The statement “I and the Father are one” refers to the unity between God and Jesus. Jesus is not merely a messenger or a prophet. The Greek word used for “one” in this statement is in the neuter form, which implies unity. Essentially, this means that God and Jesus are unified as one. Jesus further emphasizes this unity in verse 38 by saying, “The Father is in me, and I am in the Father.”

38 But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”
John 10:38 (NIV)

Verse 30 in the Message bible states that Jesus and the Father are one heart and mind.

No one could ever get them away from him. I and the Father are one heart and mind.”
John 10:30 (MSG)

Jesus and the Father are one. Jesus perfectly obeyed the Lord, they both exhibited perfect love and unity, and they are one in heart and mind.

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Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Son Jesus. We are blessed that You and Jesus are one in heart and mind and keep your promises. Help us to emulate Jesus in our thoughts and actions. Like the anemone grows and flowers, let us grow like You and blossom in Your love. In Jesus’ holy name. Amen

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