The
Apostles –
Becoming Unified Through Diversity
·
It
seems likely that Philip and Andrew knew each other well, for they are seen
together in the Gospels. They were both from Bethsaida (John 1:44). Their
comments in John 6 are right together. They are involved with the Greeks in
John 12:20-22. (Philip's name was Greek.) These two are likely the unnamed
disciples in John 21:2. In light of this, compare their comments in John
1:41,45. Like Andrew, Philip's comment hints at a spiritual awareness, but as
we'll see, Philip had difficulty comprehending Jesus' claim to be the Son of
God.
·
If
Philip did meet Jesus near Bethany, he probably had many questions about Jesus,
and who he was, and what Jesus came to do. These questions stuck with Philip
for some time.
·
As
the crowds gathered in John 6, and as evening came, Jesus took the opportunity
to test Philip. Are we prepared for when God brings tests and trials our way?
(John 6:5,6)
·
Philip's
pragmatic tendencies surfaced immediately (John 6:7) Remember, by this time
Philip had witnessed the miracle at Cana (John 2:1-11), the healing of the Cana
boy (John 4:43-54), and the confrontation about healing a paralyzed man on the
Sabbath (John 5) Even though other healings had taken place as well (John
6:1-2), Philip responded out of pure logic. Again, compare with Andrew.
Philip's instinct was that nothing could be done.
·
It's
true that the Jews could not accept Jesus' claim that He was God Incarnate. But
it is surprising that the disciples didn't understand this at first either. We
now skip ahead to the night of the Last Supper. Jesus said he was leaving them
(John 13:33), and the disciples were troubled (14:1), and Jesus sought to
comfort them (14:1-4)
·
Thomas
asked what the other disciples were probably thinking (14:5) Jesus' answer gave
Philip another chance to build his faith (14:6-7)
·
However,
Philip's answer showed he still didn't quite understand (14:8)
·
Jesus'
reply to Philip explains what the Gospel is all about (14:9-11) Philip believed
Jesus was the son of Joseph, and he probably was the promised Messiah. But Philip
didn't seem to grasp the concept that Christ was both God and man (see John
1:1,14)
·
What
did Philip miss? How can we know Jesus was who he said he was? (see John
17:20-26)
·
We
don't know exactly when, but Philip did come to a full realization of who Jesus
was, and he meant to humanity. Tradition tells us Philip preached in Asia
Minor.
#1) In view of His claims, Jesus
Christ cannot be just a great moral teacher
#2) Every person who sincerely
and humbly seeks to know who Jesus really is will find a satisfactory answer
#3) Doubts and questions are
normal, even for true Christians, particularly at certain points in our lives
For
next week read Matt. 10:3; John 1:43-51; John 21:1-2
