The Eternal Pattern — The Father and the Son in the Godhead #

In every move of God, clarity of relationship is essential. One of the most profound yet misunderstood dynamics in the Church today is the Father-Son relationship. Many teachings on spiritual fathering have drifted into manipulation and hierarchy, but the true pattern is eternal, pure, and divine. To restore it, we must begin where all things begin — in the Godhead.

The Divine Blueprint #

Before there were apostles or prophets, churches or callings, there was the Father and the Son. Their relationship is not a human invention, but an eternal reality revealed to us through Scripture.

John 1:1 — In the beginning [before all time] was the Word (Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.

John 1:18 — No one has seen God [His essence, His divine nature] at any time; the one and only begotten God [that is, the unique Son who is] in the intimate presence of the Father, He has explained [and interpreted and revealed] the Father.

What we see here is not hierarchy but intimacy, not domination but mutual indwelling.

The Greek word used for “Son” is huios (υἱός), which carries the idea of a mature son who bears the character of the father. Jesus did not simply obey; He carried the very essence of the Father.

Imagine a mirror that does not just reflect light, but character — a son who reflects not only the actions of his father, but his thoughts, priorities, and motives. That is what Christ is to the Father — not a slave responding to commands, but a son responding to love.

No Control — Only Communion #

John 5:19 — So Jesus answered them by saying, “I assure you and most solemnly say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself [of His own accord], unless it is something He sees the Father doing; for whatever things the Father does, the Son [in His turn] also does in the same way.”

John 5:20 — For the Father dearly loves the Son, and shows Him everything that He Himself is doing; and the Father will show Him greater works than these, so that you will be filled with wonder.

In these verses, we find the operational pattern of divine fatherhood: revelation, relationship, and release. There is no coercion. The Father doesn’t force the Son to obey. Instead, love compels Jesus to walk in perfect unity.

Why This Matters #

When we build ministry models, church structures, and spiritual mentorship systems, we often bypass this eternal relationship. We define fathering by earthly culture, not by heavenly example. The result? Systems that look more like corporate ladders or tribal control structures than the heart of the Father.

Many spiritual fathering models begin to demand:

• Absolute submission
• Imitation of the father’s personality
• Financial honour as proof of sonship
• Lifelong loyalty with no release

None of these things are found in the relationship between the Father and Jesus.

The Harmony of the Godhead #

Jesus was equal with God, yet He humbled Himself in obedience. This was not about power distance — it was about purpose fulfilment.

Philippians 2:6 — Who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it];

Philippians 2:7 — But emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality with His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man].

The submission of Jesus was voluntary, not forced. It was in love, not fear. It was relational, not hierarchical. That is the model for all true spiritual relationships in the Body of Christ.

Greek Word Insight

• Huios — (υἱός) A mature son who bears the character and likeness of the father. Not just a child, but one who reflects the will, nature, and heart of the father.
• Pater — (πατήρ) Not just a male parent, but one who begets and nurtures life, purpose, and identity.
• Agape — (ἀγάπη) The divine, selfless love that governs the relationship between the Father and the Son.

These three words together create the divine template: A Father who loves, and a Son who reflects.

Conclusion #

Every healthy spiritual relationship must mirror the eternal relationship of the Godhead. If it does not, no matter how successful it looks, it is flawed at the root. We must return to the pattern of heaven.

• No control. Only communion.
• No demand. Only delight.
• No dependency. Only development.

Q&A Section #

Q: Doesn’t the Father have authority over the Son?
A: Yes, but it is expressed through love, not dominance. Jesus’ submission was relational, not structural. It was His joy to do the Father’s will.

Q: Is it wrong to call someone a spiritual father?
A: Not at all, as long as the relationship mirrors the divine pattern — love, guidance, and freedom — and avoids control, fear, or manipulation.

Q: Didn’t Paul say “imitate me”?
A: Yes, in 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul said, “Imitate me, just as I imitate Christ.” The imitation is always Christ-centred, not personality-driven.

Q: What if someone teaches absolute loyalty to a spiritual father?
A: That’s unbiblical. Our foremost loyalty is to Christ. No human should demand lifelong submission apart from Christ’s leading.

In the next part of this series, we will look at how this pattern played out in the Old Testament — with Moses and Joshua, Elijah and Elisha, and others. Were they spiritual fathers in the modern sense? Or were they something far more liberating?

Let’s walk this journey together.

Stay rooted in Christ.

Shaliach.