What Did Jesus Say About God?

God Is Relational

Most so-called “gods” of other religions are impersonal. The God of whom Jesus spoke is not like the impersonal Force in Star Wars. Neither is he some great unsympathetic bogeyman in the sky, delighting in making our lives miserable.

On the contrary, Jesus taught that God is relational like us, but even more so. He thinks. He hears. He communicates in language we can understand. Jesus told us and showed us what God is like. According to Jesus, God knows each of us intimately and personally, and thinks about us continually. Let’s look at other things Jesus told us about God.

God Is Loving

Jesus told us that God loves us unconditionally. He taught that God’s love is radically different from ours in that it is not based upon attraction or performance. It is totally sacrificial and unselfish. That means God loves everyone the same regardless of race, sex, social status, financial success, or intelligence. Jesus demonstrated God’s love wherever he went, healing the sick and reaching out to the hurting and poor.

 Jesus compared God’s love with the love of a perfect father. A good father wants the best for his children, sacrifices for them, and provides for them. But in their best interests, he also disciplines them.

Jesus illustrates God’s heart of love with a story about a rebellious son who rejected his father’s advice about life and what is important. Arrogant and self-willed, the son wanted to quit working and “live it up.” Rather than waiting until his father was ready to give him his inheritance, he began insisting that his father give it to him early.

In Jesus’ story, the father granted his son’s request. But things went very badly for the son. After wasting all his money on sinful living and self-indulgence, the rebellious son became desperate and was so hungry he began working on a pig farm and even eating the pig’s food. Finally, unsure whether his father would accept him back, he took a chance, packed his bag and headed home. He was willing to accept the scorn and even rejection of his father. 

While many earthly fathers would be angry and scold their son, Jesus tells us that God’s love isn’t like that. In Jesus’ story, not only did the father welcome him home, but he even ran out to meet him. The repentant son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Luke 15:21). 

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