As the children of God, we often encounter questions from the unsaved, such as “If Jesus is God, then who is God before the birth of Jesus?” This is a profound question that many have pondered, so let me illustrate it with a story.
The Lost Prince and the King’s Pursuit
One day, a king and his son went hunting in a royal chariot. Due to the late hour, the king stopped at the entrance of the forest, telling his son to wait there and not leave the chariot. The king then entered the forest alone.
After a while, as darkness fell, the little prince left the chariot in search of his father but lost his way and became lost in the forest. When the king returned to the chariot and saw his son was missing, he immediately ventured into the forest to find him, but he was unsuccessful. After failing, the king returned to the kingdom and ordered a search for the lost prince. Unfortunately, no one could find him. The king then announced that anyone who found his son would be greatly rewarded.
A Glimpse of Hope
Months passed, and a group of explorers ventured into the forest to document the wildlife. While taking photos, they noticed a figure following them. They swiftly left the forest, and upon examining the photographs later, they realised the figure was none other than the lost prince. They then rushed to the palace, showed the king the photos, and explained what had happened. Overjoyed, the king sent another team into the forest to find his son.
The Prince in the Tribe
After many months of searching, the team discovered the prince had joined a tribal group. The prince had adapted to their lifestyle and had become one of them. The team reported their findings to the king, who, filled with joy, prepared his royal chariot and went to find his son. When the king arrived and called out to his son, the little prince, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar presence, fled from him, unable to recognise his father. Despite the king’s calls, the little prince disappeared into the forest.
A King’s Sacrifice
The king returned to his palace, disheartened. He gathered his counselors, who suggested that in order to redeem his son, the king must make sacrifices. He should give up his royal garments, live like the tribe, eat their food, and adopt their ways to blend in. Only then could he approach the prince and bring him back.
In obedience to their counsel, the king left the palace, disguised as a member of the tribe, and entered the forest. He lived among them, befriended the prince, and one day spoke to him: “Son, you don’t belong here. You’re my little prince! Our great kingdom is meant for you!” Upon hearing these words, the prince remembered his true identity and returned with the king to the kingdom.
The Parallel to Mankind’s Fall and Redemption
Just as the little prince once walked closely with his father, mankind was once in perfect fellowship with God. In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve were in the presence of the LORD, hearing His voice and walking with Him (Genesis 3:8). But through their disobedience—eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil—they were separated from God, just as the little prince wandered away from his father.
Similarly, the LORD, in His great love, sought to restore the broken relationship. Just as the king journeyed to the forest in glory, God revealed Himself to Moses on Mount Sinai, but mankind, trapped in sin, could not endure His glory (Exodus 19:16-19). The people feared His presence and asked Moses to speak to them on their behalf.
In the same way, the king humbly lowered himself to the level of the tribe to reclaim his son. God, in His infinite glory, humbled Himself and came down to Earth as Jesus Christ to bring us back into His presence. Jesus, though eternal and divine, became flesh for the purpose of redeeming mankind and restoring the relationship with the Father (John 1:14).
Jesus: Eternal God Who Became Flesh
The Bible tells us in John 1:1 that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Jesus is not just the LORD after His birth on Earth but has always been the eternal God. He became flesh to restore mankind to a right relationship with God the Father.
The LORD’s desire has always been to restore us to the royal family, just as the king longed for the return of his son. Though Jesus came to show us the path of salvation and offered us eternal life through His sacrifice on the cross, many still fail to understand the true love of the Father. Despite Jesus’ death for our sins, many remain distant, unwilling to return to their Heavenly Father.
A Call to Return to the Father
Even today, the LORD longs to restore that relationship. He speaks to us through this article, reminding us that we are a royal generation, not of this world, but of His Kingdom (1 Peter 2:9). Jesus paid the ultimate price for our redemption—His blood shed on the cross, and His life given for our salvation. Yet, many still refuse to return to the Father, rejecting His love and forgiveness.
The LORD is calling you today to come back to Him. Confess your sins to the One who is worthy of forgiveness. Accept His invitation to enter into the royal kingdom that awaits us. The Father’s arms are open wide, longing to embrace His children. Will you answer His call today?
May God bless you in Christ!
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Dr. I. Esther Job, India
Dr. I. Esther Job is a Ph.D. graduate from India who has authored three Tamil Christian books: 365 Vedha-Vina Vidai, Manavatiyin Alangaram, and Aathuma Aathayam. Currently, she is engaged in full-time ministry alongside her husband, Pr. J. Jackson Job Sireston. If you were blessed by this article, feel free to reach out to her at estherjeba99@gmail.com.