John 14:8

From this to ver. 15. this branch of the consolation, of knowing the Father in the Sonne, is further insisted on by occasion of a new proposition of Philip, another disciple. And by this means also he clears up that argument of consolation insinuate, ver. 1. that he was God, one, and equal with the Father. This verse contains Philips proposition; Wherein, he expresseth a great desire to have the Father shewed unto them, promising great satisfaction to himselfe and the rest thereby: But he failes, in that he is not satisfied with the right way of seeing the Father; but, declining to be led so far about to know the Father, as he conceived the seeing of him in Christ to be, he desires, for their satisfaction, an immediate and clear sight of the Father, his glory and majesty. Whence learn, 1. The doctrine of Christ is not taken off his hand, even by disciples, except with much difficultie; for, after Thomas his objection, Philip starts a new difficultie, when Christ is clearing them most sweetly. 2. It is the duty of disciples who are convinced of their ignorance, not to rest in such a condition, but to labour after knowledge; for, Philip not knowing the Father as he desired, would have him shewed to them, and this is commendable in him. 3. Such as would have saving knowledge of God and divine mysteries, must expect and seek it only from Christ; for, this is commendable also, that he takes this course, Lord shew us the Father. See Matth. 11.27. 4. Such as expect to be taught by Christ, must employ him by prayer, with much humility and reverence; for, Lord, saith he, shew us the Father. 5. It is not sufficient we desire after knowledge of spiritual things, unlesse our desires be chiefly carried after the best things, and particularly, to know God himselfe, Lord, shew us the Father, saith he. 6. The sight and knowledge of God is full of satisfaction and refreshment, and beleevers will rest content therewith, whatever be their case beside; shew us, saith he, the Father and it sufficeth us. See Psal. 16.11. 7. Saints, even in their best and spiritual desires, are subject to infirmities, and ready to be unsatisfied with Christs way and manner of satisfying them; for, Philip not being satisfied with what Christ said, of knowing the Father in him, would know him in a way of his own, and have a nearer cut of it, as he thought, Lord, shew us the Father. 8. The way of seeing and knowing God by faith, as he is revealed in his Son, is a way not satisfactory to a carnal heart; and beleevers themselves have a jealousie of it, in so far as they are carnal; for, this is the sight of God which Philip declineth, and would have another; before it suffice him. 9. When we are unsatisfied with Christs way, and would have a way of our own, we will finde, upon trial, that the way we would be at, is either impossible or unsit, or cometh far short of what we enjoy; for, whereas he desireth Christ to shew them the Father, if he desire an immediate sight of him, that is impossible, and would consume mortal men; and if he mean only such a sight as Moses and others got, it cometh far short of what they had already.