Thoughts for the Day

Jesus said, 'If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.'

Philip said to him, 'Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.' Jesus said to him, 'Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? 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; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.

(New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

Who do you look like in your family?* Are you small like your Mum, or tall like your Dad? Does your family have familiar traits - large hands; dark hair; small feet; or what?

Jesus tells Philip that he should know God because he has seen him, and that "whoever has seen me has seen the Father". So what can we learn about God by looking at Jesus? Well we can say that:

• He has a loving and close relationship with His Father.
• He is compassionate towards the sick, and those in need.
• He wants people to learn that God loves them.
• He is patient with his disciples.
• He is Humble.
• He is angry with those who fleece others or oppress them.

You may be able to think of other connections between Jesus and His Heavenly Father. Now compare yourself to the list above, what areas do you need to work on?

* If you don't know your parents, can you compare your words or attitudes to those who brought you up, or close friends?

Friday 23rd October, follow up thoughts

Lord Jesus,
may we learn from You
and grow ever more like you.
Enable us to be honest
with ourselves,
and to see our faults,
so that we can make changes
to our lives
and become more like You.
Amen.