Show Us the Father (John 14:8)

“Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.” — John 14:8

Summary:

Philip’s request may have reflected a mistaken desire for a visible manifestation of God, or a deeper longing to know and enjoy him above all else. God cannot be known completely, yet he can be known truly and savingly, and this knowledge satisfies the soul in both life and eternity. The Father is revealed through Jesus Christ—through his person, sacrifice, word, and Spirit. Believers should therefore seek their knowledge of God in Christ.

Outline:

• A request that may be misunderstood
  • Philip may have desired an extraordinary display of God that human weakness could not bear.
• Faith does not depend on visible signs
  • Miraculous appearances cannot replace the sufficient testimony God has already given.
• The knowledge of God satisfies
  • Though God cannot be known exhaustively, he can be known truly as our portion and strength.
• Christ reveals the Father
  • Jesus makes God known through his person, sacrifice, teaching, providence, and Spirit.
• Seek and follow Christ
  • Those who ask and continue to follow him receive the light of life and grow in divine knowledge.