Like Father, Like Son

There’s a story about some older men who gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their college graduation. Of course, they had all changed significantly over the years. Many of them had a little less hair. They were all a little grayer and more wrinkled.

As an ice-breaker, instead of providing name tags, the master of ceremonies decided that it would be more fun to have each man stand up in turn and have the others try to identify him using a college yearbook picture. 

As a group, they were able to name all but one person. Nothing about him seemed familiar. Finally, the man said, “Okay, okay! Obviously, you all don’t recognize me. But if you hang on just a second, I’ll give you a clue.”  He stepped away momentarily. When he returned to the stage, he had a young man by his side. “This is my son,” he said. “Now do you know who I am?” Almost immediately several of the guys called out his name. 

In the Christian faith, we believe that Jesus gives us the clearest picture of what God looks like. When we read about Jesus in the gospels, we see his compassion and forgiveness, we hear his challenge to live differently, and we feel his sacrificial love. 

In the Gospel of John, Jesus tells us, “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” 

Let us pray: We praise you, O God, for you are a compassionate, forgiving, and loving God. We thank you for your Son Jesus who shows us your heart. Today, I pray for those who need to know your loving presence. Be near to them. Surround them with your grace – even now. Amen.