Our scripture this week is John 14:1-14.
Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” Jesus answered: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. John 14:8-10
Philip asks Jesus to show them the Father not because he doesn’t believe, but because he doesn’t understand. As with Thomas asking about where Jesus was going before, the disciples have faith, but lack knowledge. This wanting to know is a very human thing and while Jesus encourages them to ask for understanding, He stresses to them that their faith and relationship to God are much more important.
Jesus wants us to be sure in our faith, but not to question God’s love for us or His plan. Many people wanted a sign or a miracle as “proof” of Jesus’ relationship with God. However, during His forty days in the wilderness Jesus rebukes Satan, saying “It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test” (Matthew 4:7), and the answer is the same for us.
Asking Jesus to tell us more because we don’t understand is not wrong, but eventually our faith has to overcome our doubt. We can’t test to see if God is telling the truth. We must trust that He is in control and plans only good for us.
Loving Lord, in Your grace and mercy You sent Jesus to love and save us. Help us to have faith even when we don’t understand and follow the way He has set for us. Amen.