Sometimes we pray for a glimpse of God, forgetting He’s already revealed Himself—in Jesus.
Key Verse:
“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.” —John 14:7 NASB
Background Context:
In the upper room, Jesus continued preparing His disciples for His departure. Philip asked for a clear picture of the Father, and Jesus revealed that to see Him was to see the Father. He promised that those who believe in Him would do even greater works, empowered by prayer in His name. Jesus also tied love for Him directly to obedience to His commands.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Oneness with the Father
7“If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also; from now on you know Him, and have seen Him.”
8Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” 9Jesus said to him, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10“Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works. 11“Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me; otherwise believe because of the works themselves. 12“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. 13“Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14“If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.
15“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
Reflection on John 14:7–15:
Philip’s request is one many still echo: “Show us God.” Yet Jesus’ answer leaves no room for doubt—He and the Father are one. If you know Jesus, you know the Father. The works He performed were not just demonstrations of power, but living proof of the Father’s heart.
Even more, Jesus promises that believers will do “greater works.” This doesn’t mean greater in power than raising the dead or calming storms, but greater in scope—because His Spirit would work through His followers worldwide. This promise is linked to prayer “in My name”—not as a formula, but in alignment with His will and mission.
Finally, love for Jesus is proven in obedience. Emotion without action isn’t love. True love says, “I trust You enough to follow.”
Application:
If you want to know God more deeply, focus on knowing Jesus—His character, His words, and His ways—and let your love for Him be shown through obedience. Jesus, the living example of God’s Word, did not come to give new commandments but to perfectly fulfill the ones already given, showing us that love for God is proven by walking in His truth.
Closing Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing the Father to me. Help me to trust You enough to obey You, love You enough to follow You, and pray in a way that aligns with Your will. Use my life for Your glory and for the work You call me to do. In Your name, amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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