“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.”

John 14:9-11, 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.

Many in the world say that the only acceptable attitude of religion is tolerance; Jesus Christ asserts his uniqueness. Many of the world say that they will not tolerate his claim that he is the exclusive way to God. Jesus asserts that “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” The world in his day rose up and screamed “Crucify him,” and delivered its full fury against his body. His message today gets the same response, the world at large does not want to hear a message about sin, repentance and faith in the living God become flesh, Jesus Christ. Yet there are those who will hear his voice and look to him to be saved!

We thank you for your Holy Spirit who guides us into truth, who empowers us to speak the truth in love, that those who are called will hear and come to you!

ESV Lectionary