Listen

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father; that will be enough for us.”

Jesus replied, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been with you all this time? Whoever 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 the Father is in me? The words I have spoken to you I don’t speak on my own. The Father who dwells in me does his works. Trust me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or at least believe on account of the works themselves. I assure you that whoever believes in me will do the works that I do. They will do even greater works than these because I am going to the Father.

John 14:8-12

Think

Just before our passage for today, Jesus tells his disciples that he must die. He’s trying to prepare them to carry on his ministry after he’s gone. Philip wants proof. After all, actions speak louder than words. “Show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.” Have you ever wanted to touch or see proof of God? Jesus answers by telling his disciples that the proof is in the disciples—in their response to him.

Jesus promises that all those who believe in him will be convicted to live differently, and through their works they point to God. Jesus isn’t saying that works will save them. No, he’s trying to tell the disciples that when they follow Jesus, they will point to God even after Jesus has died and returned to his heavenly Father.

Susan Sytsma Bratt

Question to Ponder:

What actions might speak louder than your words today?

Pray

Holy Spirit, mold me, shape me, fill me, and use me today. Amen.

Go

God, give us eyes to see the wideness of your world, shimmering with beauty and holiness.

Stimulate our imaginations, infusing us with courage and hope.

Surround us with friendship.

Plant us as seeds of resurrection.

Amen.

Peterson Center for Christian Imagination