Where is Your Father

Helen Pollack

Then They Asked Him, "Where is Your Father?"

Here Jesus introduces the clarity of knowing Him. Jesus used different words to convey different meanings of our word "know". In these passages the word conveys the knowing of Him perfectly and in a right relationship acceptable to Him. A progressive knowledge is not implied. Clearly then the meaning states that we must be in a right and perfect relationship with Him to know the Father. John 8:19-20 19 Then they asked him, "Where is your father?"

"You do not know me or my Father," Jesus replied. "If you knew me, you would know my Father also." 20 He spoke these words while teaching in the temple area near the place where the offerings were put. Yet no one seized him, because his time had not yet come. NIV

Jesus continues by stating that which they must believe. Believing is walking in the received truth; it does not include simple assent or acceptance of truth.

John 8:23-24 23 But he continued, "You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am [the one I claim to be], you will indeed die in your sins." NIV

John 8:25-26 5 "Who are you?" they asked.

"Just what I have been claiming all along," Jesus replied. 26 "I have much to say in judgment of you. But he who sent me is reliable, and what I have heard from him I tell the world." NIV

John 8:27-32 27 They did not understand that he was telling them about his Father. 28 So Jesus said, "When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am [the one I claim to be] and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. 29 The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him." 30 Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him.

We often hear the following scripture quoted ,"you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free". Jesus said, however, if you hold (abide, dwell in ) my teaching, you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free. He is speaking of walking in the truth that he has given. By doing this, which is His will, we will know the truth and the truth will make us free. This word for "know " implies understanding, progressive knowledge and perception. In so doing we will know perfectly that His words came from His father in heaven.

31 To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." NIV

In His Abundant Love,

Helen