During his time on earth Jesus claimed that anyone who had seen him had seen the father. The Pharisees accused Jesus of blasphemy and such a charge would be true and punishable by death if Jesus were nothing more than a man. But what if he was not? What if his claims to be the Son of God were true?
How often do friends comment that a son looks and acts like his dad? Or a nephew, his uncle? Family genes and traits are passed down. It requires a leap of faith to accept that Christ was and is the only son of God, but if he is then we can learn much about the personality of God by studying the man called Jesus.
We first see the traits of Jesus in Luke 2:46. “After three days his parents found him in the temple courts …”
God’s Personality: If Jesus is anything like his dad, then sometimes God hides and we must seek him. To seek passionately after God is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. So, too, is God’s presence. But too often we look for God where we expect to find him: where we last left him. It should not surprise us that God wanders, walks, and surprises us with a sudden appearance. The story of the Garden of Eden confirms God’s desire to stroll about and startle us.
Jesus’ parents found him in the temple built for him. If we are to find God, we must go to his place of worship, too.
“… sitting among the teachers, listening to them…”
God’s Personality: God sits and listens. Yes he’s God, almighty, and all knowing, but he takes time to sit and listen to our thoughts, opinions. He does not demand an audience. He is the audience.
“… asking them questions …”
God’s Personality: God asks questions. He desires to know what we think. He probes our heart and mind. Like any active audience participant God asks us what we think, feel, believe … and often his questions leave us uncomfortable.
” … everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers …”
God’s Personality: The more time we spend with God the more we are amazed at his understanding, wisdom and solutions to our problems. It is only in knowing God that we gain true knowledge and understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live.
“… and Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52)
God’s Personality: As we grow closer to God we too will grow in wisdom and gain his favor.
This is the nature of God and the man called Jesus.
Excellent reflection. Great insight about having to search for him when he’s not where we expect him to be.