John 14:9

Jesus replied, "Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'?

Study Bible

Jesus replied
The Greek word for "replied" is "λέγει" (legei), which is a present active indicative verb, indicating a continuous or repeated action. This suggests that Jesus is not merely responding to Philip's question but is engaging in an ongoing dialogue with His disciples. This reflects the intimate and personal relationship Jesus maintains with His followers, emphasizing His role as a teacher and guide.

Have I been with you all this time, Philip
The phrase "with you all this time" underscores the duration and depth of Jesus' ministry with His disciples. The Greek word "τόσουτον" (tosouton) for "all this time" implies a significant period, highlighting the patience and persistence of Jesus in revealing Himself to His disciples. The mention of "Philip" personalizes the message, reminding us that Jesus' teachings are directed to individuals, not just groups.

and still you do not know Me?
The Greek word for "know" is "γινώσκεις" (ginōskeis), which implies an experiential knowledge rather than mere intellectual understanding. This suggests that despite Philip's close proximity to Jesus, there is a deeper spiritual insight that he has yet to grasp. It challenges believers to seek a profound, personal relationship with Christ beyond surface-level familiarity.

Anyone who has seen Me
The word "seen" in Greek is "ἑωρακὼς" (heōrakōs), which is a perfect active participle, indicating a completed action with ongoing results. This implies that seeing Jesus is not just a physical act but a transformative experience that should lead to a deeper understanding of His divine nature.

has seen the Father
This statement is a profound theological declaration of the unity between Jesus and God the Father. The Greek word for "Father" is "Πατέρα" (Patera), emphasizing the intimate and familial relationship within the Trinity. This affirms the Christian doctrine of the deity of Christ, asserting that to know Jesus is to know God Himself.

How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?
This rhetorical question challenges the disciples' understanding and faith. The Greek word "λέγεις" (legeis) for "say" suggests a verbal expression of doubt or misunderstanding. Jesus is gently rebuking Philip for not recognizing the revelation of God in His life and works. It serves as a reminder for believers to seek and recognize God's presence in Jesus, who is the visible image of the invisible God.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jesus
The central figure of the New Testament, the Son of God, who is speaking to His disciples in this passage.

2. Philip
One of the twelve apostles, who asks Jesus to show them the Father, prompting Jesus' response.

3. The Father
Referring to God the Father, whom Jesus is revealing through His life and works.

4. The Disciples
The group of Jesus' closest followers, present during this teaching moment.

5. The Upper Room
The setting of this discourse, where Jesus is sharing His final teachings with His disciples before His crucifixion.

Teaching Points

Understanding the Unity of the Trinity
Jesus' statement underscores the unity between Him and the Father, a foundational truth of the Trinity. Believers are called to recognize and trust in this divine mystery.

Seeing Jesus, Seeing the Father
Jesus' life and works are a direct revelation of God's character. By studying Jesus' actions and teachings, believers gain insight into the nature of God.

Faith in Jesus' Revelation
Philip's request reflects a common human desire for tangible evidence. Jesus calls us to faith, trusting that He fully reveals the Father.

The Importance of Knowing Jesus
Knowing Jesus is essential for a relationship with God. This knowledge goes beyond intellectual understanding to a personal relationship.

Living as Reflections of Christ
As Jesus reflects the Father, believers are called to reflect Christ in their lives, demonstrating His love and truth to the world.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jesus' response to Philip challenge our understanding of seeing and knowing God?

2. In what ways can we deepen our relationship with Jesus to better understand the Father?

3. How do the additional scriptures (John 1:18, Colossians 1:15, Hebrews 1:3) enhance our understanding of John 14:9?

4. What practical steps can we take to reflect Christ in our daily lives, as He reflects the Father?

5. How does the concept of the Trinity, as seen in this passage, influence our worship and prayer life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

John 1:18
This verse emphasizes that no one has seen God, but Jesus, the only Son, has made Him known, reinforcing the idea that seeing Jesus is seeing the Father.

Colossians 1:15
Describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God, supporting the claim that Jesus reveals the Father.

Hebrews 1:3
States that Jesus is the radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of His being, further illustrating the unity between Jesus and the Father.

Exodus 33:20
God tells Moses that no one can see His face and live, highlighting the significance of Jesus making the Father known.