We’ve given some thought to the love of God the Father for His son, and the delight He finds in Him. We now consider something of the Son’s love for the Father. It is evident from the very earliest record of the Lord Jesus’ life that his life was so focused on His dear Father that He could see no other reason for living. I am referring to Luke 2:49. There He declares that He had to be in His Father’s house. In His mind and heart, out of all of the options open to him as a boy at that feast, the one that attracted Him the most was to be spending time soaking in the place where His Father was worshipped. Jesus loved His Father.

Another incident in the life of the Lord Jesus that demonstrates His love for His Father is the stirring passage of John 8:28-30. In verse 30, we see a wonderful thing happening; even as He spoke, many put their faith in Him. How wonderful to hear a man speaking with such grace, maturity and devotion that you are compelled to trust Him personally. What was He saying that had this effect on the people? He was speaking about the relationship He has with His Father. The Jews have become hostile toward Him and have recently tried to arrest Him; an arrest that failed because of the caliber of His words. He is surrounded by a crowd that doesn’t understand what He is telling them or the magnitude of the fact that this is God-with-us.

In spite of being so isolated and sidelined in this harsh, uncaring, sin-cursed environment, Jesus had His eyes set on a Person. Jesus was facing the gory reality of crucifixion (verse 28). As He surveyed the unbelieving crowds, He knew shocking realities they were still unaware of, yet He could face them with calm composure because He was not alone. He had a close, intimate relationship with His Father. His Father was with Him, even though no-one could see Him (verse 29). Jesus showed here the nature of the bond in His close, delightful relationship with His Father: He said, “I always do what pleases Him”. Wow! How we could open this up!

What pleases God? God is pleased by everything that reflects the perfections of His character. As the lovely Jesus delighted in personal holiness, so the Father delighted in Him. As Jesus delighted in knowing His Father, so the Father delighted in Him. As Jesus walked daily in outstanding wisdom, so the Father delighted in Him. As Jesus demonstrated truthfulness, faithfulness, goodness, love, mercy, grace, patience, a sense of peace and order, righteousness and justice, jealousy and wrath, the Father’s heart pulsated with overflowing pleasure. There was nothing about His Son that jarred Him in even the slightest way! It was Jesus’ deliberate intention to bring pleasure to the heart of His Father in everything He did. That was the final distinguishing question that formed His thoughts and actions.