He is the Way, Truth & Life

(John 14:7-14[HCSB])

7 “If you know Me, you will also know My Father. From now on you do know Him and have seen Him.”

8 “Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father, and that’s enough for us.”

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been among you all this time without your knowing Me, Philip? The one who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak to you I do not speak on My own. The Father who lives 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 “ I assure you: The one who believes in Me will also do the works that I do. And he will do even greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.

Jesus gives all of the credit and glory to God the Father, but it is clear that the Disciples do not get it. The concept did not sink in for most of them until long after Jesus ascended to heaven.

I can imagine some of the conversations among them, in whispers of course: “Do you think He really is God?” “He says so, but sometimes I wonder; isn’t God going to stomp the Romans into the dust? I’m afraid that our Rabbi is going to die the next time He raids the Temple, and we will be on our own.” I know, Philip, I just don’t feel very brave right now. Sometimes I don’t think He truly understands our problems.”

Even today it is hard for people to wrap their minds around the concept of Jesus being God and Spirit. Most folks see Jesus as Jesus: a guy who lived somewhere in or around Israel, and died a long time ago on a cross. He was a great leader, a fantastic teacher, and had some pretty awesome things to say to people who were into prostitution and tax collecting. But, to say that He was (is) God is a step that requires more faith than most are able to marshal.

I send this lesson out to those among us who are unbelievers. Are you willing to give “Jesus as God” a shot? Are you willing to see what changes might come out of such a belief? This is not about religion, it is about faith. Set aside what you think you know, and find Jesus … then ask for God’s strength to conquer your unbelief!

Mark 9:23-24 Then Jesus said to him, “… Everything is possible to the one who believes.” Immediately the father of the [possessed] boy cried out, “I do believe! Help my unbelief.”