Philip, of Bethsaida, doesn’t hesitate when Jesus finds him, saying: “Follow Me.” (John 1:43, NIV) Philip even goes so far as to find Nathaniel. He says to Nathaniel, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote — Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” (John 1:45)
Nathaniel doubts anything good can come from Nazareth. He questions Jesus, yet quickly comes to recognize Jesus is “the Son of God; the King of Israel.” (John 1:49) While Nathaniel calls Jesus the Son of God, Philip calls Jesus “the son of Joseph.”
Later, as Jesus is preparing for His own suffering and death by crucifixion, He tells the disciples: “I Am the way and the truth and the life. If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.” (John 14:6-7)
Philip says, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” (John 14:8)
For three years, Philip follows Jesus of Nazareth on His many journeys, recognizing Him only partially. Jesus asks, “Don’t you know Me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?” (John 14:9)
Father God, help us not to just follow along, a shadow in the crowd of true believers. Help us to really know You; open our eyes and our hearts to Your Majesty. In Jesus’ Name, amen.
Thanks Patricia.
Thanks Susie and Lilies, Sparrows and Grass.
Absolutely awesome presentation of the truth, Carley. Jesus… God with us. …and just as true today. That we could just get a glimpse of the truth of the good news of Jesus. That God would come to this earth in the body of a man and pay our sin debt to reconcile His to Him! Let all glory be given to Him! Thanks, good friend and God bless.
Oh thanks so much, Michael. God bless! (I needed to ‘hear’ that tonight. God is so wise; He always provides what He knows we really do need right when we really do need it!) Carley