Philip’s story is told in John 1:43-51
Philip – The Practical Disciple Who Pointed to Jesus
When we think about the twelve disciples of Jesus, names like Peter, James, and John often come to mind. But there’s another disciple who played an important role in Jesus’ ministry—Philip. He may not be as well-known, but his story shows us that even those who are practical and full of questions can still be faithful followers of Christ.
Called by Jesus
Philip’s story begins in the Gospel of John. One day, Jesus found Philip and simply said, “Follow me” (John 1:43). Without hesitation, Philip left what he was doing and followed Jesus. That quick response tells us something powerful—Philip recognized that Jesus was someone worth following.
Sharing the Good News
Right after meeting Jesus, Philip went and found his friend Nathanael. He said, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law… Jesus of Nazareth.” Nathanael was skeptical and asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” But Philip didn’t argue. He just said, “Come and see” (John 1:45–46).
Philip’s simple invitation is a great example for us today. Sometimes, we don’t need to have all the answers. Just inviting someone to “come and see” Jesus can make all the difference.
A Practical Thinker
Philip was also a very practical person. In John 6, when Jesus was about to feed a huge crowd of people, He asked Philip where they could buy bread for everyone. Philip quickly calculated and said, “It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread!” (John 6:7).
Philip wasn’t wrong—his math made sense. But he was focused on what he could do, not on what Jesus could do. Jesus then performed a miracle, feeding over 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish. Philip’s reaction reminds us that it’s okay to be realistic, but we also need to make room for God to work in ways we can’t expect.
Honest Questions
Later, during the Last Supper, Philip asked Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us” (John 14:8). He wanted to understand more about God. Jesus gently responded, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”
This moment shows us that Philip was someone who wanted to go deeper in his faith. He wasn’t afraid to ask questions, and Jesus didn’t push him away. In fact, Jesus used that question to teach an important truth: to know Jesus is to know God.
What We Can Learn from Philip
Philip’s story may not be filled with dramatic moments or bold speeches, but his quiet faith and practical nature teach us valuable lessons:
- He pointed others to Jesus, starting with his own friend.
- He asked honest questions, showing that it’s okay to not have all the answers.
- He was faithful, even when he didn’t fully understand.
Philip reminds us that God uses all kinds of people—those who think deeply, ask questions, and want to understand. You don’t have to be loud or famous to make a difference in God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
Philip may have been a quiet and thoughtful disciple, but he played an important role in helping others see Jesus. His story encourages us to invite others to “come and see,” to bring our questions to God, and to trust that Jesus can do more than we could ever imagine.