The Son And The Father
THE SON AND THE FATHER
JOHN 14:8-14
Even when Jesus told his friends he was the only way to God, they failed to understand.
Even at this stage of the ministry the disciples are still baffled about many of the leading themes of Jesus’ teaching and they still fail to understand the nature of his relationship to the Father. If Jesus talks darkly about knowing and seeing the Father, Philip is not satisfied. Let us have a proper revelation of God (a “theophany” such as Moses had had—Exodus 24:10). We shall see him with our own eyes. There will no longer be any doubt. We shall really be satisfied then.
Jesus sadly has to point out to Philip his failure to grasp who he is. The mutual indwelling of Father and Son was a basic thing which the disciples ought to have grasped. This was shown by his teaching which was not given simply on his own authority. It was also demonstrated by his miracles which were not the deeds of a mere man.
Having used his doing the works of God as evidence of his relationship to the Father, Jesus, no doubt to their great surprise, goes on to say that the disciples will do even greater deeds because of his return to the Father. The glorification of the Father in the Son was not to end with the earthly life of the Son. Through prayer it would be continued, and the scope of prayer is vast, limited only by the important condition that it should be in his name.
Notes 14:8: Philip is mentioned on four occasions in the Gospel (1:43-48; 6:5-7; 12:20-22). He seems to have been enthusiastic but uncomprehending. 14:9: to see Jesus is to see the Father (cf. 12:45). The same applies to honoring him (5:23), knowing him (8:19; 14:7), believing in him (12:44), receiving him (13:20) and hating him (15:23). This was due to their mutual indwelling. 14:12: “greater works” because more far-reaching in their scope throughout the world and to all men. 14:13: “in my name”—on my authority. It assumes obedience to his will, as he was obedient to the Father’s will, and a true desire for the glorification of Father and Son. The promise has never been withdrawn and if it were taken seriously the effects would be incalculable.
Listening point “I cannot think what we shall find to do in heaven,” mused Luther. “No work, no eating, no drinking, nothing to do. But I suppose there will be plenty to see.” “Yes,” said Melancthon. “Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied” (14:8). “Why, of course,” responded Luther, “that sight will give us quite enough to do.”