When we try to understand Jesus outside the dynamism of the Trinity, we do not do him or ourselves any favors. Jesus never operated as an independent “I” but only as a “thou” in relationship to his father and the Holy Spirit. He says this many times in different ways—the “father” and Holy Spirit are a relationship to Jesus. God is love, which means relationship itself. (1John 4:7-8) Jesus is the model and metaphor for all creation being drawn into this infinite flow of love. He said, “follow me and I shall return to take you with me, so that where I am, you may be also.” (John 14:3) “God has loved before the foundation of the world.” (John 17:24) He is the stand-in for all of us. Paul uses the word “adopted” (Galatians 4:5) and “co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17) to make the same point.