City Life Starter

By Aisha Darwesh

The Word

⁸ Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

⁹ Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever 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 authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. ¹¹ Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.

Aisha’s Analysis

Today’s verses show us that our human nature is constantly craving for “something more.”  Here, we see that even though the disciples have a living and breathing embodiment of God Himself right in front of them, Philip asks Jesus “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.”

Let’s take a look at Jesus’ response in a nutshell: “Philip, if you’ve seen me, you’ve seen the Father. Believe the words I’ve spoken. Believe in me. If that still isn’t enough for you, believe based on the works I’ve done.”  

Another way of saying this is “you’re just going to have to work with what you’ve got.” I love that the Lord always gives us exactly what we need–nothing more, nothing less. In a world that is constantly thirsting for more, this is a hard pill to swallow. 

At the same time, it’s strangely comforting. Knowing that Jesus is enough to totally satisfy my need for the Father, it actually strengthens my relationship with God. In those times when we think to ourselves “God, where are you?” we have the security of God’s Word to stand on. If that’s not enough, His proven track record speaks for itself. God has come through time and again…and He always will. The only thing that stops us from receiving full access to our Father in heaven is not believing in Jesus. However, by believing in Jesus, a whole new world opens up to us. Because of Jesus, we can stand unashamed and totally blameless before a great and holy God. And that, I might add, is more than enough! 

Application

Are there times when you’ve desired more of God, yet Jesus is standing right in front of you? What I mean is Jesus is the one who grants us access to the Father. In knowing Him, we know the Father.  

Even more, as believers in Christ, we have the Holy Spirit to guide us into all Truth. 

Today, strengthen your faith by actively practicing God’s presence. When you’re in a private, quiet space just talk to God out loud. Tell Him something you’re grateful for. Then, wait for His response. 

We can have a robust relationship with God, because of Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection. God has so much to show you and all you need to do is trust in the finished work of Christ to begin/continue your journey with Him. 

Prayer

Dear Lord, I am so excited about the things You’re doing in my life. Whether I can see anything happening or not, I trust You have plans for good, to give me hope and a bright future. Today, I just want to acknowledge I believe in You. Holy Spirit, let’s go! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.