7026 - No One to See God - John 1:18

Today we want to focus on one verse in John’s Gospel – chapter 1, verse 18. It tells us:

“No one has ever seen God, but God the only Son, who is at the Father’s side, has made him known.”

It says that no one has ever seen God. Some people challenge this statement. Let’s check some Biblical events.

Exodus 33 (vv18-23) gives us one experience of Moses. Moses was a man who had a very close relationship with God. We are told that the Lord could speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with a friend.

On one occasion after some exchange between them, Moses asked God (v18) to show me your glory. The Lord responded to Moses (vv19-20): “I will cause my goodness to pass in front of you, and I will proclaim my name, the Lord, in your presence… But, you cannot see my face, for no one may see me and live.”

“Then the Lord said, ‘There is a place near me where you may stand on a rock. When my glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft in the rock and cover you with my hand until I have passed by. Then I will remove my hand and you will see my back; but my face must not be seen (vv21-23).’” Notice that Moses did not see God.

Another notable Bible figure whom some believe saw God is the prophet Elijah. 1 Kings (19:3-18) gives the record. Elijah had a difficult time with Ahab, King of Israel, and his wife Jezebel. She threatened to have Elijah killed. Elijah fled to mount Horeb. There he slept in a cave. Here the word of the Lord came to Him: “What are you doing here, Elijah?” After an exchange of words, the Lord told him, “go and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Soon a powerful wind tore the mountain apart and shattered the rocks, but the Lord was not in the wind. Then came an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After that came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. Then came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice spoke to Elijah. In all this exchange Elijah saw the power of God and heard his voice, but he did not see God.

Another person to investigate is Jacob who wrestled with God. Genesis (32:24-31) gives the story. As Jacob journeyed from Haran back to Canaan to be reunited with his family, he had one night when he was alone. The Bible says: “A man wrestled with him till daybreak. When the man saw that he could not overpower Jacob, he touched the hip socket of Jacob and damaged it. The wrestling ceased but Jacob held onto him. Jacob asked for the man’s blessing before releasing him. Then the man said, “Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome.” Jacob ultimately called the place Peniel, which means ‘face of God’. But, we must conclude that Jacob did not see God.

A fourth event in which some believe someone saw God. Jesus had taken Peter, James and John up a high mountain to pray. As Jesus prayed Moses and Elijah appeared and talked with Jesus. A bright cloud came over them and a voice said, “This is my beloved Son, my chosen One … Listen to him.” In fear the disciples fell to the ground and the cloud covered them.

When the voice silenced, Jesus touched them and only the four remained. The other figures had left. Plainly the cloud was God’s covering. There is never a claim that any of them had seen God, even though the cloud which covered Him had wrapped around them.

Jesus, the only begotten God, who is now serving at the Father’s side, by His life in the flesh revealed God to the people – by His life and glory.