Many people have wondered about the seemingly arrogant response of Jesus’ statement
here. Philip is merely being a good Jew by claiming that all he needs is God, which will be enough. Jesus’ response seems flippant and even selfish.
Perhaps Jesus identified a gap in how
the disciples understood God. The disciples wanted more signs, more miracles, and more proof. Jesus responded by saying that the proof is in the pudding. He had been journeying with them for years, revealing God’s subversive kingdom in various ways, but still, they wanted more proof that God was present in those events.
They wanted more proof because their idea of God did not quite fit the image that Jesus had presented.
Perhaps people see Jesus as arrogant for associating himself with God because they have a view of God as authoritarian. The error is in their image of God, not Jesus’ claim to be one with God.
What if Jesus is trying to turn their false ideas of God on their head? What if Jesus is trying to show us the harm of creating a set, fixed idea of who God is and trying to fit God into that? Instead, let us look at Jesus, the Jesus who wept at the tomb of his friend, the Jesus who ate with tax collectors and touched lepers, the Jesus who empowered women
and other minorities, and we will see glimpses of the true nature of God.
Jesus is the way to the Father because he reveals the Father’s very character. Jesus and the Father dwell in one
another so completely, and Jesus remains so utterly dependent on the Father’s will that their character is indistinguishable, as his merciful works and words demonstrate.
What images of God have
you picked up during your life?
Which images have been helpful, and which have been harmful to you?
What can we learn about God’s character and nature by examining Jesus’ life and ministry?
Reflections by Joe Taylor
