No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)
When you’re applying for a job at a large
company, it’s pretty certain that you will have to deal with the human
resources department. It can seem like a pretty ruthless process. There
are hundreds of résumés to go through, so unless yours really stands
out, it will likely get tossed out immediately. If you’re lucky enough
to make the cut, then you have to compete with the other top candidates.
If you were to survive all that, you would definitely be feeling
blessed!
When we hear Jesus saying, “No one comes to the Father except through
me,” we may be tempted to think he is like that human resources manager
(John 14:6). We picture him standing with his arms crossed, weeding out
those who don’t have what it takes to get to heaven. But look at
Philip, one of the saints whose feast we celebrate today. He didn’t get
everything right away. He didn’t understand how Jesus was going to feed
five thousand people with just a little bread and a couple of fish. And
in today’s passage, he asks Jesus to show him the Father—after having
spent three years hearing him talk about his Father!
It’s a good thing for Philip—and for us—that we don’t have to qualify
for a position to follow the Lord. You’re family, not an employee!
Instead of standing with his arms closed, Jesus has them opened wide. He
is always happy to embrace us and bring us to his Father.
Do you worry sometimes that God might reject you or that he might
pass you by because you’re not good enough? Then today’s passage is for
you! Do you worry that you haven’t done enough to win his approval or to
merit heaven? This passage is for you as well. Jesus is the way, not
your hard work. It’s true that no one comes to the Father except through
him. But it’s also true that he brings everyone to the Father who comes
to him. He excludes no one. Not Philip. Not James. And certainly not
you!
from wau.org
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