Thursday 1 May 2025

Psalm 139

Background
We interrupt our journey this week through I Corinthians to remember two apostles who were among the first followers of Jesus. Today is celebrated in many churches as the festival of St Philip and St James, or ‘Pip and Jim’ as they are affectionally known in one local church named after them.

This passage from John’s Gospel is one of the best-known in the New Testament. It’s often read at funeral services, where its message of calm faith in God’s welcoming and eternal care can bring assurance and peace. “Do not let your hearts be troubled” (v. 1) is something we all need to hear, but the conversation between Jesus and his disciples suggests that they are still very troubled indeed. Thomas says “Lord we do not know where you are going” (v. 5) and Philip says “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” (v. 8) It is clear that even those who shared Jesus’ life, heard him speak and saw him act, did not entirely understand who he was or what he was doing.

Perhaps the message of this story is that followers of Jesus don’t necessarily need to understand everything about him. Faith involves a measure of trust, of acting beyond our certitude. That may be the point to the well-known saying: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."(v. 6)

It’s only by following Jesus that Christians come to a real knowledge and understanding of their God.

To Ponder:

• What do you find most troubling or puzzling about Christian faith?
• What have you learned through following Jesus?

Prayer
Help us, Lord, to find in you our way, our truth and our life. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Richard Clutterbuck
Richard is a supernumerary presbyter, living in Gloucestershire after a ministry that has taken him to Tonga, London, Gloucester and Belfast. He was formerly Principal of the West of England Ministerial Training Course and of Edgehill Theological College.