Today’s author is Pr. Richard Rhoades, from Galveston, TX. This devotion comes from “Christ in Our Home.” Paper booklets of this devotion are available at Prince of Peace.
Jesus said…”Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still do not know me?” (v.9)
Philip had been with Jesus from the beginning of his ministry. Originally a follower of John the Baptist, he was called by Jesus to follow him. And he did. Then Philip urged Nathanael to “come and see” the one they had been waiting for (John 1:45-46.) Philip was present at the wedding in Cana of Galilee, and he witnessed the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand. No wonder Jesus asked Philip the hard question we read today.
The apostles give me hope. They reveal themselves as imperfect humans, yet Jesus never gives up on them. And Jesus never gives up on us. I’m sure I’ve exasperated Jesus with my questions, doubts, and struggles. Yet Jesus continues to love me into who I am in God’s eyes.
Though he questions Philip, Jesus keeps proclaiming the good news: He says those who trust him will do even greater works than he does. Along our way, Jesus welcomes us, reveals what grace-filled love is, and show us what God can do.
Lord Jesus, thank you for loving me beyond my faults. Amen.
