Don't You Know Me?
There's this moment in the Gospel of John where Jesus is trying to explain to his disciples that he's going to have to leave them. In an effort to provide his confused and fearful followers some comfort Jesus tells them that they don't have to worry---they have all the assurance they need because of their relationship with him: If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” Then Philip speaks up, demanding a clearer answer: He says to Jesus: “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.” To which Jesus incredulously replies: “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time?" I bet Philip must have felt that answer hit him right in the gut. It's tough enough to read it, much less imagine hearing it come straight from Jesus' own lips. "I've been with you all this time, and you still don't know me?" It occurs to me...