9^th November 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: SHOW US THE FATHER

Theme Scripture: Philip said, "Sir, show us the Father and we will be satisfied ". John 14:8 TLB

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Where is the Father?

Terry Kubi was born during a time when his parents were facing marital challenges. Before Terry was two years old, his parents' beautiful marriage had been dissolved. Terry's father picked up his belongings, left home, and never looked back. Fifteen years later, Terry began asking his mother critical questions. “Mom, is my dad alive or dead?” he would ask. Terry was searching for something as he repeatedly asked his mother questions about his father. He wanted to know who his father was, and he knew his mother was the best person to provide the answers he sought.

 

One thing the disciples of Jesus heard often was “My Father.” Jesus spoke about this Father in a way that did not point to Joseph the carpenter. For example, He said,  “In my Father’s house there are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you…” (John 14:2). He went further, stating, “…no one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). All this while, His disciples wondered who exactly this “Father” was. Though it was confusing, they hesitated to ask. But eventually, their curiosity reached a breaking point. As if sensing their confusion, Jesus said, “If you have known me, you have known my Father also…” (John 14:7).

 

At this point, Philip presented an earnest request that captured the hearts of the disciples and every true follower throughout the ages. “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us,” he said.

 

Jesus’s reply must have been both disappointing and puzzling. He responded, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. So why are you asking to see him?” (John 14:9).

 

Was Jesus saying that He is the Father or that He simply resembles the Father?

 

Beloved, with this reply, Jesus was revealing much more to Philip and to us. Earlier, Jesus had asserted that He and the Father are one (John 10:30) and that He is in the Father, and the Father is in Him (John 10:38). These statements were unclear at the time, but the Apostle Paul later provided insight by the Spirit.

 

In Colossians 1:15 (KJV), Paul wrote,  “Who [Jesus] is the image [or icon] of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” The word "image" or "icon" means the profile, likeness, representative, or visible expression of the invisible God. Beloved, God is invisible. No one has seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, has made Him known (John 1:18). Glory to God!

 

Thus, Jesus is the unfolding of the invisible God. He is the icon through which we access the invisible Father. In computing, an icon is a visible representation of invisible software. This is why Jesus said to Philip, “…He who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

 

Precious one, do you want to see the Father? Look to Jesus.

Do you want to hear the Father? Listen to Jesus.

Do you want to honor the Father? Honor the Son (John 5:23).

Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father either, but he who acknowledges the Son has the Father also (1 John 2:23).

 

Beloved in Christ, everything you are searching for in life is in Jesus. Embrace the Son—the Word made flesh—and you will have the Father. God bless you abundantly.

 

FURTHER READING: Hebrews 1:1-3

 

 Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. How earnestly do you seek to know the Son?

2. If the Son is the word made flesh, how much are you staying with the word daily?

PRAYER

Precious Father, thank you for giving your Son Jesus to us so that we might know you. I acknowledge Jesus as the express image of the Father's person and the brightness of God's glory. I have Jesus, I have the Father, and I have all things. Hallelujah!

One-Year Bible Reading Plan

Ezra 3,  Ezra 4,  Hosea 6,  Acts 23,  Acts 24