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In Zoroastrian belief, Ahura Mazda stands as the source of all truth (Asha), the ultimate Father whose wisdom sustains the cosmos. This understanding of a benevolent, singular Creator contrasts sharply with the Old Testament portrayal of Yahweh, often depicted as a tribal, vengeful deity. When we examine Jesus’ teachings, it becomes clear that the Father Jesus spoke of—compassionate, universal, and rooted in truth—is fundamentally different from the warrior God of the Hebrew scriptures. Through Jesus’ words, we can see a deeper spiritual truth that aligns with the Zoroastrian vision of Ahura Mazda as the true, universal Father.
Jesus on the True Nature of the Father
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus makes statements that separate the Father he proclaims from the image of Yahweh as a wrathful and punishing deity:
- John 5:19 – “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.”
- Jesus reveals that his Father acts only out of truth and love, and that his mission is to reflect that same pure goodness. This resonates with Ahura Mazda, who is the origin of Asha—truth and righteousness. Unlike Yahweh’s actions of vengeance and conquest, Ahura Mazda’s nature is purely wise, good, and orderly.
- Matthew 5:45 – “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.”
- Here, Jesus describes a universal God who cares for all humanity, not just a chosen nation. This reflects Ahura Mazda’s universal benevolence and impartial justice, far removed from the exclusivity and harsh judgments associated with Yahweh.
- John 14:28 – “The Father is greater than I.”
- Jesus places himself in humble service to a higher divine source. This aligns with the Zoroastrian concept that Ahura Mazda is supreme—always greater, always above—and that prophets and messengers serve His will rather than embodying it as equals.
The Father of Truth, Not Fear
Jesus’ teachings consistently reflect a God of light and truth, not of fear and wrath. Zoroastrianism presents Ahura Mazda as a deity whose essence is Asha—the divine order that brings clarity and justice. Consider these additional words of Jesus:
- John 8:32 – “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
- Truth, or Asha, is the liberating force. Jesus’ message was about aligning with this truth, not following the rules of a vengeful tribal deity. Ahura Mazda, as the Father of Asha, is the source of this universal truth.
- Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
- Mercy and compassion define the Father Jesus speaks of, contrasting with the punitive nature of Yahweh’s covenant curses. Ahura Mazda’s wisdom and guidance are rooted in compassion and care, not in tribal retribution.
Why Yahweh Could Not Be Ahura Mazda
When we compare the characteristics of Yahweh in the Hebrew scriptures to Ahura Mazda, the differences become stark:
- Yahweh is often depicted as jealous, vengeful, and concerned with strict laws for one chosen people.
- Ahura Mazda is universal, a source of wisdom, order, and truth for all humanity.
Jesus’ teachings consistently point toward a Father who embodies love, wisdom, and impartiality—attributes aligned with Ahura Mazda’s essence, not with Yahweh’s temperament.
For example, Jesus says:
- John 4:24 – “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
- This speaks to a divine nature rooted in Asha (truth) and not in the tribal, physical demands associated with Yahweh’s ancient covenant.
Jesus Reflecting Asha
Ultimately, Jesus’ words suggest a vision of God that transcends the Old Testament’s portrayal. His Father is universal, wise, compassionate, and deeply connected to truth. This description aligns more closely with the Zoroastrian understanding of Ahura Mazda. Jesus’ rejection of vengeance, his embrace of universal love, and his emphasis on truth reveal a spiritual lineage that connects to the divine order established by Ahura Mazda—the Father of Asha—rather than the limited, territorial image of Yahweh.
Through Jesus’ words, we see a profound recognition of a higher, universal Father—a God who stands for truth, love, and wisdom. While Yahweh remains tethered to ancient tribal narratives, Ahura Mazda represents the all-encompassing source of truth and light. Jesus’ teachings guide us not toward the fear-driven God of the past but toward the eternal Father of Asha, inviting us to live in alignment with divine truth and righteousness.
This structure ties Jesus’ statements directly to the Zoroastrian vision of Ahura Mazda, demonstrating how Jesus’ concept of the Father aligns with Asha and is fundamentally distinct from the portrayal of Yahweh.