I’ve thought a lot about this question: When did Jesus figure out who He is and who told Him? Was it a surprise when He found out He was the Son of Father God? When He was in Heaven He knew who He was, but when He came to earth he was a human baby. He came right out of the Momma box. He had the same abilities as His Daddy God, but when did He discover that?
Was there a time that Father God said, “OK, Listen Son, this is who you are? This is your job here on earth. You will become the Savior of all people. It’s a really big deal.”
Maybe there was and if there was, it was likely in between His birth, which is the awesome season we are celebrating now, and the next time we see Him in scripture. That was when He was 12 and His parents realize they had lost the Son of God! Then the big relief when they find Him in the temple talking and chilling with the priests in the temple.
Jesus as a Boy
When Father God tells Jesus who He is, I see him as boy sitting at the edge of the creek throwing rocks into the water and musing about life and all that goes with that.
Then He hears the voice of His real Dad, Father God. “Your destiny, Your purpose, My Son, will not be easy and painless. I have chosen You for this job because You are the only One who can do it. At the appointed time You will willingly choose to die for the people, even those who weren’t and aren’t nice to You.
“You will do this so those who finally do accept You as their Savior can live forever with Us in heaven.”
“But Dad,” Jesus said, “can’t we weed out all those who spit on Me and call Me names and look down on Me? I mean they don’t deserve any special perks. They don’t deserve for Me to die for them.”
“You’re right, Son. They don’t deserve anything, but we will give them our mercy if they will accept it. The fact is once every person was dead because of his or her disobedience and many sins. They used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey Me. All people used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of their sinful nature. By their very nature they were subject to My anger, just like everyone else” (Ephesians 2:1-3 NLT).
Rich in Mercy
Throwing another rock in the creek, Jesus asked, “Father God, are we wealthy?”
“Yes, we are wealthy in grace, mercy, and kindness, but it’s always each person’s choice to follow You and Me. Still, it makes us rich because those who choose to follow us are also rich in our love.
“In Peter’s book, he says, ‘The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. Instead He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance’” (2 Peter 3:9 NIV).
“Your death is going to be a major shift for all people who are alive now and all those who are born in the years to come. Your sacrifice will give all people hope of eternal life.”
Jesus’ Uniqueness
“Son, You are unique. You are human, but because I am Your Father, you are unique. There has never been anyone like You. I set it up this way so that people will understand You are my Son. Therefore, You are ‘worthy of all honor and praise and glory.’ (Jude 1:25 NLT).
“This is how I loved the world: I gave My one and only Son, that’s You, so that everyone who believes in You will not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:15-16 NLT).”
“I know I came down from heaven as Momma’s little boy. What does it mean that I will be lifted up?” Jesus asked.
“It has to do with several things,” Father God said. “You will die on the cross.”
“Is My death on the cross My lifting up?” Jesus asked.
“Partially,” God said. “You will die but after three days You will come back to life.”
“I like that part,” Jesus said.
Rising from the Dead
“You will walk and talk with many people, including Your disciples. You will have a new body and can do things You couldn’t do before. Like, there will be a time when the disciples are staying in a room afraid to be seen because You had just been crucified and placed in a tomb. They didn’t know that You had risen from the dead’.”
“I can do that?” Jesus asked surprised.
“Yes, with My help,” Father God said smiling.
“That’s a wow for sure,” the boy answered.
“So, the disciples are in a room together with all the doors locked. Then all of sudden You burst in and stand right where they can all see You.”
“I bet they are spooked for sure,” the boy said seeing the picture in His mind.
Jesus Shows His Scars
Father God said, “You say to them! ‘Peace be with you.’ Then You show them the wounds in Your hands and Your side. They are filled with joy when they see You are alive and have risen from the dead!
“However, one disciple, Thomas, doesn’t believe You have actually risen from the dead. And of course, You have. So You once again appear to the disciples and Thomas. You turn to Thomas and invite him to examine the scars in Your hands and the wounds in Your side. Then, You say, ‘Don’t be faithless anymore. Believe!’” (John 20:19-27 NLT).
“Did Thomas believe?” Jesus asked.
“What do You think?” His Daddy God threw the question back to Him.
”He believed because He saw me and saw all the wounds on My body.
“Yes, that’s true. He believed because he saw with his physical eyes and could verify who You are. Then You told Thomas, ‘You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing Me.’” (John 20:29 NLT).
Father God Tells Jesus Who He Is
“You are in an earthly body now, My Son,” He said. “But the earthly father I placed You with has been teaching You from the books of the Law and the Prophets, Yes?”
“Yes, and he is patient with me. I love learning about You and seeing where I fit into things.”
“Where do You fit?” God asked.
“Well, I know every time I hear a word some description that sounds like a Savior, My heart tells Me to pay attention.”
The Holy Spirit
“That’s because Your heart is full of the Holy Spirit, Who is the third one of us. We are Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. When You get lifted up completely, and ascend into heaven after You are raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit will come to direct the people who want to be directed.”
“That’s crazy in a good way,” Jesus said. “I’ve always been concerned about certain people. Then I won’t have to be concerned.”
“Well, We still need to be concerned because people have to want to listen to the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, even though We can tell them what they should do, they just push that idea to the side or throw it away completely. When they don’t throw it away, it’s easier to remind them of the right course of action.
“If they decide to throw away our suggestions, we can share it again but they are more likely to reject it,” Father God said with a far-away look in His eyes. “I can see the future and what will happen if they follow what we tell them. Then, I can also see the future when they refuse to take our advice. That’s the disheartening part.”
From the Beginning of Time
“Is the Holy Spirit always here on earth?” Jesus asked.
“He has been here from the beginning of time. Genesis 1:1-2 NIV says, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
“He’s the part of Us Who indwells people. He is the One who talks with people. He is the One who directs people. He is the One who protects people. He is the powerhouse for the people when they allow His strength to permeate them.”
“Paul said, ‘Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in Him. And may the POWER of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with superabundance until you radiate with Hope’” (Romans 15:13 TPT).
How Did It Happen In Your Mind?
I love to think of this kind of conversation that the human boy Jesus might have with His real Dad, God His Father. Jesus came to earth as a helpless baby. He did that of His own free will. No one made Him do it.
If you have never trusted Jesus as Your Savior, now is the time to do it. Let it be your Christmas gift to yourself.
If you want to hear more from Teresa Shields Parker, listen to Sweet Grace for Your Journey Podcast, episode 269: Jesus and His Dad.
Also don’t forget to check out my new fiction book, Rebuilding Jayne: Her Father’s Protection. It’s available on Amazon in Kindle, paperback, and Audible.
Teresa Shields Parker is a Christian weight loss author, coach, podcaster, and speaker, who has lost 250 pounds and kept it off since 2013. Her books include: “Reconnecting Jayne: Her Sister’s Support,” “Rebuilding Jayne: Her Father’s Protection,” “Sweet Grace: How I Lost 250 Pounds and Stopped Trying to Earn God’s Favor,” “Sweet Grace Study Guide,” “Sweet Victory: Winning the Battle,” “Sweet Surrender: Breaking Strongholds,” “Sweet Journey to Transformation: Practical Steps to Lose Weight and Live Healthy”, “Sweet Freedom: Losing Weight and Keeping It Off With God’s Help,” “Sweet Freedom Study Guide,” “Sweet Change: True Stories of Transformation,” “Sweet Hunger: Developing an Appetite for God,” and “Sweet Excuses: Stop Lying to Yourself & Start Losing Weight.” She also offers Overcomers Christian Weight Loss Academy and VIP intensive coaching. Don’t miss her weekly podcast, Sweet Grace for Your Journey, where she shares tips from her personal journey of losing weight and discovering healthy living. Contact her at [email protected].