Cuyp, Aelbert; Saint Philip Baptising the Ethiopian Eunuch; National Trust, Anglesey Abbey; http://www.artuk.org/artworks/saint-philip-baptising-the-ethiopian-eunuch-170078
Friend of Jesus -Philip
Philip is a unique friend of Jesus We know very little about him, but what we know is both intriguing and humbling. His life can teach us a BIG lesson on faith. This apostle was practical, pragmatic, and inquisitive. (John 6:5) As believers these characteristics can get us into trouble because these traits make us “lean on our own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Philip’s name means “lover of horses”
Philip is a Jew with a Greek name meaning lover of horses. I like him already! He, like Simon and Andrew, is from Bethsaida, a fishing village. Bethsaida, lies close to the Jordan River as it feeds into the Sea of Galilee (John 1:44) and the community’s name means house of fishing. This area of Palestine had a great deal of Greek and Roman influence. This village was the site of multiple miracles, (Mark 6:3-51, 8:1-26) but, due to the lack of faith, is cursed by the Savior. (Luke 10:13-15) Philip is consistently listed among the twelve. (Matthew 10:3, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:14, Acts 1:13) Philip is the Apostle Christ sought out Himself. (John 1:43-44)
Philip’s tested
Jesus has big expectations of Philip and presents Philip a test. (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15) Jesus is surrounded by a crowd and it is late in the day far away from the residences of the people. So, Jesus asked Philip a question: “Whence (where) shall we buy bread, that these (about 5000 men not counting women and children) may eat?” The Word says Jesus asked the question for Philip’s sake because He already knew Philip’s answer. Practical Philip responded, “a half a year’s salary would not be enough to feed all the people.” Pragmatic Philip suggests sending them home. Philip, the evangelist, is always bringing people to Jesus (John 1:44-45, 12:20-22) and Philip, who has seen miracle after miracle forgets money is unnecessary for Jesus. How like Philip I am. Jesus has provided all my needs and many of my wants and yet when a “crisis” arises I the practical, ever pragmatic follower see only the problem! I have spiritual amnesia.
Philip ever questioning
Philip is ever questioning: Inquisitive, always wanting to know more but missing what is right in front of him. He has the same trouble as many a Christian. We know in our heads God can but we struggle to believe He will for me! We continually question our beliefs. Philip is the disciple who wanted to see the Father so badly, He missed Him standing right in front of him. (John 14:8-14) I love what Jesus does! Instead of scolding, He tells Philip an astounding truth: “Believe Me that I am in the Father, and the Father in Me: or else believe Me for the very works sake. Verily, verily I say unto you, he that believeth on Me, the works that I do shall he do also; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You shall ask any thing in my name and I will do it. If you love me, keep my commandments.” Do I really believe He will use me? Do I really believe He will hear me? Do I really believe He will do what I ask? Do I trust Him to keep His word to me? Do you???? Sadly, I must answer, “No.” I too am practical and pragmatic. This is the sludge blocking the conduit of grace flowing through me. Is this why I can only bring people to Jesus to see and hear for themselves rather than them seeing Jesus power and love in me? (John 12:21-22)
Jesus’ promise to Philip
Read the rest of Jesus words to Philip. They are His words to me and you! “Even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you…….You shall know I am in my Father, and ye in me and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them. He it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father and I will love him and will manifest Myself to him. (John 14:16-21) Can you even comprehend this promise? Jesus said, we will manifest Him to others in the same way He manifested the Father’s love through miracles, moments, and mission. This brings tears of deepest gratitude to my eyes and a sense of humility not previously experienced.
Philip the missionary
Philip was a missionary from the moment Jesus called him to follow. (John 1:45-46) He followed the Great Commission to “GO.” He began in Bethsaida and went into “Jerusalem, Judaea, Samaria and the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) He took Jesus at His word and preached the gospel, baptizing in the name of Jesus, and performed miracles of casting out evil spirits and healing, just as Jesus did. (Acts 8:5-8, 26-39) Philip grew spiritually from being practical, pragmatic and questioning, and went where the Spirit led and did all the Spirit led him to do. No questions asked; just obedience proving his love for his Master, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend.
Friends of Jesus grow in obedience and faith. They learn to not question but to just obey.
Yvonne Jones
https://youtu.be/UyXP-kQfooU Jesus Feeds 5000 people
https://youtu.be/yUN1-iBJPes Steve Camp “Consider the Cost”
