You Think Somebody Knows You

Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us." 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'? - John 14:8-9

In the show Family Matters, everyone remembers Steve Urkel. He was the nerdy kid next door who loved science and of course Laura Winslow. Steve would go inside the transformation chamber and change into a new person, Stefan. While his appearance has changed, everything about him is still the same.

Let’s set the stage if you will. Before this exchange happens, some of the greatest words are spoken by Jesus. “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going."
After these words, some people have some questions. Thomas wants to know the way to get there and Jesus lets us know that He is the way, the truth, and the light. No man may come to the father except through me. If you know me, then you know my father. A disciple named Phillip make a request of Jesus after this statement. Show us your father and that will be enough for us.

The question, while it seems innocent enough, is an offensive one to Jesus. If you know me, then you know my Father. Show us your father and that will be enough. Jesus tells his disciples that if you understand who I am, you will be able to know who my Father is. You will be able to see his character, see who he is in me. The disciple says if you could just show him to us, we will know as well. The disciple has just admitted to the fact that even though he has been with Jesus for all of this time, he does not really know who he is.

It is amazing that we miss God because we do not recognize his presence. We know names, but we constantly miss His face. We miss when He speaks but expect him to hear our voice. We have God available to us but don’t want to be available to Him. When Steve became Stefan, everyone liked him. He was still Steve but didn’t look like Steve. Didn’t sound like Steve. Yet, he still had the knowledge of Steve. God may not always show up the way that we think that the Father should, but we still need to know God is there.

Because He knows you. Do you know Him?

Scripture Readings
Monday- John 14: 1-11
Tuesday - Matthew 16: 13-20
Wednesday- John 10
Thursday - John 17
Friday- 1 Corinthians 15
Saturday- Philippians 3

Join us next week for a message from Pastor Neil Winchester of Believe Church, Corpus Christi, Texas.