“Believest thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? The words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwelleth in me, he doeth the works” (Jo 14:10).
Our Lord here reveals two witnesses of His perfect identity with the Father. Today we consider the first: His Words. This principle is critical to every believer’s development to higher order ministry.
Unlike all the prophets before Him, who could rightly boast of being inspired by God, Jesus was actually indwelt by the Father. What’s the difference? You’re inspired when you’re moved, impelled or influenced by the Spirit. In such cases, you’re responsible for delivering the speech, but with the benefit of support or influence.
On the other hand, what Jesus refers to in our text is about being so indwelt by the Father that the very words the Son speaks are not His own. He’s more than a mouthpiece and more than just a spokesman. God Himself speaks through Him. Jesus’ humanity doesn’t interfere with the divine mission.
Oh that our flesh would not interfere with what God is saying through us! May our learning, ego and flesh decrease more and more as Christ increases in us (see Jo 3:30). That was John the Baptist’s heart cry. It should be ours too.
Pastor Josh