Section Thirteen

Jesus’ Father in John’s

Gospel

John’s gospel has a large number of verses that use the word ‘Father’ to illustrate Jesus’ relationship with God. The characteristics they highlight include: • Jesus’ authority derives from the Father • Jesus’ works testify that the Father has sent him • The Father draws people to Jesus and anyone who has heard from God is also drawn to Jesus • The Father has sent Jesus and no-one can come to Jesus unless the Father has enabled it • Jesus is able to judge because he stands with the Father, who sent him. To know Jesus means to know the Father. • The people did not understand that Jesus was talking about the Father. When Jesus is exalted, then people will know that Jesus’ words and actions come from the Father.