One of the primary reasons why many Christians perceive a separation between Jesus and God stems from the contrasting portrayals of God in the Old Testament and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God is often depicted as strict, demanding, and imposing harsh laws upon His people.
However, when we turn to the New Testament, we encounter Jesus, whose message revolves around love, compassion, and grace. This stark contrast can lead to confusion and a sense of disconnection between the two. In the Gospel of John, Jesus addresses this very issue when Philip asks Him to show them the Father. Jesus responds,
"Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father?'" (John 14:9).
Here, Jesus emphasizes that He is the revelation of the Father, and to see Him is to see God. This statement highlights the inseparable nature of Jesus and God. To comprehend why this disconnect exists in the minds of many, we must delve into the concept of the old covenant in the Bible. The old covenant, as described in the Old Testament, was a covenant established between God and the nation of Israel. It consisted of a complex set of laws and regulations that governed various aspects of the people’s lives, including religious practices, morality, and social conduct.
However, the old covenant was not the original intention or desire of God. In the realm of ancient Near Eastern history, it is widely acknowledged that there exists a collection of laws predating the Mosaic old covenant laws. These earlier laws bear striking resemblances to the laws found within the Mosaic code.
The reason behind this parallel lies in the circumstances prevailing during the Israelites’ sojourn in Sinai. Surrounding nations in close proximity to the Israelites boasted comparable legal systems. Consequently, the Israelites perceived it advantageous to adopt similar laws, a tendency that becomes discernible in subsequent passages of the Old Testament. This inclination towards emulation is evident when they express the desire to have a monarch akin to the neighboring nations. This is the reason why David, recognized as a Prophet, later comes to the realization and provides an explanation that the old covenant was a compromise made by Ancient Israel, which God reluctantly accepted. David articulates this sentiment in the following words in Psalms:
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire; My ears You have opened. Burnt offering and sin offering You did not require. - Psalm 40:6
In this verse, David employs the phrases “sacrifice and offering” as symbolic representations of the Mosaic covenant. Within the realm of theological seminaries, an explanation can be offered by examining the specific covenant that was chosen, as opposed to the one intended by God. God’s original intention was to bestow upon them a Royal Grant covenant, similar to those granted to Noah and Abraham. Such covenants were devoid of laws and regulations (sacrifice and offering). However, they ultimately settled for a Kingship covenant, which imposed worse rules and laws. Moreover, this covenant eventually transformed into a suzerainty-vassal relationship following Moses’ passing.
These particular type of covenants, especially when one party fails to fulfill their obligations, as was the case with ancient Israel, is considered as one of the most unfavorable forms of deals to make. In the New Testament, the apostle Paul explains that the old covenant was a compromise made by Ancient Israel, which God reluctantly accepted. Paul states,
“But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away”
– (2 Corinthians 3:14).
Paul suggests that those who adhere solely to the old covenant have a veil that obstructs their understanding of the heart of the Father. Essentially, what Paul is conveying is that the old covenant, although a part of Israel’s history and God’s dealings with them, does not fully reflect the heart and true nature of God. Jesus, as the embodiment of the Father’s heart, unveils the true nature of God. Through His teachings, actions, and sacrificial death, Jesus reveals the depths of God’s love, mercy, and forgiveness. He shows us that God is not a harsh judge enforcing laws but a compassionate Father who desires a relationship with His children.
When we encounter Jesus in the New Testament, we witness a profound revelation of God’s character. We see His love demonstrated through acts of healing, forgiveness, and selflessness. Jesus’ teachings emphasize the importance of love, compassion, and grace in our relationships with God and others. His ultimate sacrifice on the cross highlights God’s willingness to go to great lengths to reconcile humanity to Himself.
Therefore, the separation between Jesus and God the father, that some perceive is a misunderstanding rooted in the failure to grasp the historical context and purpose of the old covenant. Jesus came to fulfill and complete that covenant, offering a new way to approach God—one that is characterized by grace and love
As Christians, it is crucial to embrace the unity of Jesus and God the father, understanding that Jesus is the visible expression of the Father’s heart. By studying the life and teachings of Jesus, we can uncover the true nature of God and develop a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him. Let us approach God not through a distorted lens of a harsh God from the old covenant but through the lens of Jesus, who reveals the fullness of God’s love and grace.
