Following Jesus 28

As we examine the Twelve Disciples of Jesus, we now begin to view the second group of four. In each and every listing of the twelve, Philip always begins the list of this second group. What do we know about Philip?

Phillip could be indecisive with other people.

Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus. And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. (John 12:20-26 ESV)

In John 12:20-26 Phillip is not sure what to tell the Greeks. He wasn’t sure if this was appropriate because he always went by the book. By being so concerned with the letter of the law, he missed the spirit of the law. He need reassurance from Andrew and finally from Jesus.
Finally, Phillip could not see what was right in front of him.

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.” Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.

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’? 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. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves. (John 14:1-11 ESV)

He wanted Jesus to show him and the other disciples God the Father, all the while missing the point that Jesus was God in the flesh.

Table-Talk

• Do you find yourself limiting God because of money, circumstances and a need for overwhelming proof?
• Do you sometimes behave pessimistically, reluctantly, insecurely, unsurely, analytically and skeptically towards the things of God?
• Tradition tells us that Phillip died a martyr’s death. He was hung upside down, his ankles and thighs pierced do he would slowly bleed to death. He requested that he not be wrapped in linen like the body of the Lord Jesus. He believed he was unworthy of that type of burial.

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