Discipleship is not only a relationship to the Trinity, but it is also a very special relationship to God the Father. He is the focal person for Christian growth. We can see this for example in Ephesians 3:14 and 15. Paul the apostle wrote, “I am continually bowing my knees to the Father from whom every family on heaven and earth derives its name (meaning its significance or its reputation).” In this, he is saying that every fatherly relationship ultimately works its way back to God the Father. The reality of Christianity is that the Father is the center of the discipleship experience. As we get to know him better, our lives get better.
In the Gospel of John, there are at least 125 references to God the Father. In the Gospels, we not only learn about God the Son, Jesus, but we also learn about God the Father. God the Father was the focal person in the life of Jesus Christ. In the same way, God the Father should become the focal person in our life. When we bow our knees in prayer, like the apostle Paul, our attention and our hearts should turn to the Father through Christ. Is it any wonder that the Lord's prayer in the Gospel of Matthew begins with, "Our Father who is in Heaven”? What does all this mean? It means, we have a Dad in Heaven.
