SHOP Person of Jesus

This unit introduces the third aspect of Jesus’ love: his dependence on his heavenly Father. Jesus’ dependence on his Father is rooted in a deep understanding of Scripture and a life of prayer.

Jesus summarizes his dependence on his Father when he says, “I do nothing on my own. I only do what I see my Father doing” (John 5:19, 30). This dependence allows Jesus to say “no” to others’ attempts to control him. Jesus even says “no” to his family’s request that he go to the Feast of Tabernacles, because his “time” had “not yet come.” Jesus’ family is driven to be great, while he is driven to fellowship with his Father.

Jesus’ relationship with his mother is a study in saying “no.” We look at three incidents when Mary tries to control Jesus. In each situation, his actions are controlled and shaped by his submission to his Father.

In Satan’s three temptations of Jesus, Jesus refuses to act out of fellowship with his heavenly Father or to separate his power from his love. Satan returns to tempt Jesus in the Pharisees’ request for a sign. But Jesus refuses. Doing a sign would ease the pain of God-becoming-man.

Jesus’ communion with his Father also gives him the freedom to lovingly intrude into people’s lives. He intrudes into Zacchaeus’ life by inviting himself to his house for dinner. Jesus is constantly touching people as he heals them, which is gentle intrusion into their lives to love them. He also lets others intrude into his life, as with the menstruating woman who touches him in a crowd.

How can I use this in seeker studies and small groups?

How can I get further training for how to use this study?