“Now when Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were astounded at his teaching, for he taught them as one having authority, and not as their scribes.” Matthew 7:28-29
I had decided to do a study of how many times Jesus references the Father throughout the Gospels. It would be an interesting exercise if Bible study. Showing us the Father was one of the most important missions of Jesus’ mission – in my opinion. So I started documenting these references.
Jesus gave the sermon in the mount, documented by Matthew in chapters 6 & 7 of his Gospel. Arguably one of His most important lessons, along with John 6’s Bread of Life discourse. Just in these two chapters, Jesus spoke of the Father thirteen times. In 72 documented lines, Jesus spoke of the Father in nearly 17% of them. That’s pretty considerable in this His biggest and more famous sermon. At least I think so.
I go through the day and speak of the Father fewer than a dozen times out of the thousands of sentences I speak. A negligible amount.
Jesus came to proclaim the Kingdom is at hand, how could He do that without bringing us the Father? To me, the Father is one of the greatest teachings and gifts Jesus brought from Heaven. Yea, of course, He gave His Holy Spirit and the fullness of God in the Trinity but it all starts right here with the Father in Heaven. “All good things come from the Father” James 1:17 All good things start with the Father.
Father Gaitley’s book, “33 Days to Greater Glory“, opened my eyes to how important this part of Jesus’ mission is. Before seeing the teachings on the Father, the cross was overwhelmingly the biggest. Of course it remains a brilliant shadow over all creation but even from the cross, Jesus speaks to and of the Father. “Father forgive them…”, “Father into Your hands I commend My spirit.” His final words give Himself to the Father. His final prayer is to the Father for us.
Take time in the next months (or over the rest of your life) to focus on finding the Father. Both in the Bible and within your heart.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:44-45
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5:48
““Beware of practicing your piety before others in order to be seen by them; for then you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1
“But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be done in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:3-4
“But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:6
“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8
“Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven..” Matthew 6:9
“For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” Matthew 6:14-15
“so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:18
“Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” Matthew 6:26
“For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.” Matthew 6:33
“If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” Matthew 7:11