We continue with what’s known as the “Upper Room Discourse.” It’s a conversation between Jesus and his disciples. John, Peter and Thomas have asked questions of Jesus. Jesus’ answers provide great insight into His identity and mission, but leave the disciples troubled and confused. Philip enters into the conversation with a statement, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Perhaps Philip was trying to bring clarity, but in doing so he only exposes his deep confusion. Philip is mistaken on two fronts. One, he doesn’t understand the nature of belief and instead seems to be leaning into the idea that seeing is believing. Two, he doesn’t understand the nature of the Trinity. That the Father and the Son are one.

Jesus kindly responds to Philip by welcoming Philip and the disciples to believe. He explains the mystery of the Trinitarian unity between the Father and Himself. Then amazingly in verses 12-14, He welcomes the disciples into the work that the Father has given Him. Rooted in the infinite, eternal, Triune love, Jesus commissions the disciples or Apostles to do greater works then He did, tells them they can ask anything in His name, and He promises will do it.

As a part of Jesus’ church, we too are welcomed into the great work of sharing the gospel with our friends, our neighbors and the nations. All the while Jesus is with us and aids us in the building up of His church. All we need to do is ask.