DIVINITY OF CHRIST part 3
The writings of John (Jn 14:8-11, 1 Jn 5:20; Rev 1:8)
Part 3 of the sermon series, Divinity of Christ.
The first two sermons in this series established that Jesus Christ is God. This third sermon continues that same theme. The first sermon focused on the prologue of John’s Gospel. The second sermon examined three key dialogues within John’s Gospel. This third sermon will explore one additional dialogue from John’s Gospel, a passage from one of his letters, and passages from the book of Revelation to demonstrate further that Jesus Christ is truly God. John’s documents reveal the consistency of his message. It is clear what John, the apostle, believed in.
Show Us the Father
Philip made his request known: “Lord, show us the Father.” The Lord Jesus did not express rejection but answered with a profound declaration, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” If Philip was desiring a burning bush experience like Moses or a temple experience like Isaiah, he misunderstood.[1] Jesus, God-incarnate, was fellowshipping with him and the other disciples.
8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 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 authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves (John 14:8-11).
The Lord Jesus would affirm, “I am in the Father, and the Father is in me.” The very phrase rings of equality. His answer not only reflected harmony of words and works; it was also a revelation of Deity.[2]
The text invites believers to trust in God's words and works, including His death and resurrection. One could observe that God’s words and works always go together, as in Creation and His promises. The words and works of Jesus are from the Father. It does not come from the Son alone. In other words, Jesus is not just a messenger or a vessel; He is God the Son, making known the Father.[3]
Gems in the text
1. The Lord Jesus Christ is not just a representative of God but the visible expression of the invisible God.
2. Jesus claims equality and intimacy with the Father; they are one in essence, though distinct in persons.
3. The believer believes both the words and works of the Father and Son.
True God and Eternal Life
John, the apostle, made an emphatic statement about the divinity of Jesus Christ. He made it clear that Jesus came to reveal the one who is true, the Father.[4] But the apostle also referred to the Son as true. Moreover, the Son Jesus Christ is the true God who is also called eternal life. Eternal life is attributed both to the Father and Son.[5]
20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life (1 John 5:20).
Some might argue that the phrase true God (genuine God, ἀληθινὸς Θεὸς, alēthinos Theos) in the text is the Father, but the grammar and context say otherwise. The statement clearly points to Christ as God and eternal life.[6] The text declares that Christ is eternal life, which can only be attributed to God, since only God possesses and grants eternal life. The writer revealed that Jesus not only gives eternal life, but He is life eternal itself. Thus, Jesus is truly God. There is no room for doubt.[7]
Gems in the text
1. The role of the Son includes making the Father known. Without Him, it is impossible to know the Father.
2. The context and Greek grammar point to the Son as the subject of “He is the true God.” This is a direct affirmation of Christ’s deity.
3. The Father and the Son share divine titles, such as true God and eternal life, and both are attributed to the Father and the Son. Thus, they are one in essence.
Alpha, Omega, and Almighty
In the book of Revelation, John recorded a vision in which Jesus claimed to be the Alpha and the Omega. The title belongs to YHWH as revealed in Isaiah 44:6 and 48:12. Moreover, Jesus also identified Himself as the Almighty (ruler of all, Παντοκράτωρ, Pantokratōr) another divine title used exclusively of YHWH in the Old Testament.
8 “I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end” (Revelation 22:13).
6 Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: “I am the first and I am the last; besides me there is no god (Isaiah 44:6).
12 Listen to me, O Jacob, and Israel, whom I called! I am he; I am the first, and I am the last (Isaiah 48:12).
By using titles attributed to YHWH, Jesus is not presenting Himself as a lesser being or simply a messenger. He is making a direct claim to divine identity. Just as YHWH alone is the beginning and the end, so too, Jesus revealed His eternal nature. Therefore, the Father and Son are one in essence, One God, but two persons. The book of Revelation reveals that the Son received worship and honor from the inhabitants of heaven, and worship is only given to God.[8]
Gems in the text
1. The titles Alpha and Omega, First and Last, and Beginning and End signify absolute sovereignty over time, history, and existence.
2. The name Almighty (ruler of all, Pantokratōr) in Scripture is exclusively used for YHWH, denoting supreme, all-encompassing power. Jesus' use of this title is a clear claim to divine omnipotence, not simply prophetic authority.
3. Jesus is not a subordinate or lesser being. He shares the same divine essence, though He is a distinct person within the Trinity. This upholds the biblical truth that the Father and the Son are one God.
Application
1. Believe in the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. Proclaim the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
3. Defend the divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ.
[1] Ex 3:1-14 and Isa 6:1-8
[2] Arthur W. Pink, The Gospel of John (Arthur Pink Collection Book 29) (Function, Kindle Edition, reprint of a public domain work), location 12844.
[3] Jn 1:18.
[4] Ibid.
[5] 1 Jn 1:2.
[6] Albert Barnes et al., The Ultimate Commentary on 1 John: A Collective Wisdom on the Bible (Function, Kindle Edition), 520.
[7] John Calvin, Commentary on 1 John (Function, Kindle Edition, reprint of a public domain work), location 1645.
[8] Charles Hodge, Systematic Theology: The Complete Three Volumes in Four Parts (Function, Kindle Edition, reprint of a public domain work), 459.
Poem
SON AND FATHER by Ed Pilapil Jr. Philip asked, show us the Father His mind: he needed to gather The Son is one with the Father A truth we believe together There is no doubt about the truth This knowledge would assure and soothe Both the beginning and the end It’s not easy to comprehend By His grace, we can comprehend The Triune God from start to end Believers are assured and soothed Jesus Christ is God, that’s the truth The church should believe together One in essence, Son and Father They are the reason we gather To worship the Son and Father
Study Guide
1. Why does Jesus rebuke Philip's request to "show us the Father"? What does this reveal about his understanding of Jesus' identity?
2. How does 1 John 5:20 affirm both the deity of Christ and His role in revealing the Father?
3. How do the titles “Alpha and Omega” and “First and Last” communicate Jesus’ divine nature and eternal sovereignty?
An expanded study guide is in the attached manuscript.
Manuscripts in English and Tagalog
