Wednesday 19 August 2026

Psalm 105:1-11

Background
For many Christians, this is a very familiar Bible passage, and it is often used in funerals, although Jesus' assertion in verse 6 that no-one comes to God except through him is often a cause for discussion, if not controversy.

Jesus had talked earlier about leaving his disciples. He knew that he would soon go to Jerusalem where opposition to his teaching would reach its fatal conclusion and he would be executed. After three years of ministry, with disciples following very closely as his apprentices, the time was coming when they would have to go it alone. They had to recognise that reality, and be prepared for the time ahead. One of his disciples, Peter, had already challenged the whole idea and been told he would soon deny being a follower of Jesus.

Here Jesus spoke again of his departure, now adding the promise that it wasn’t a final separation but that they would ultimately be united with him. This time it was Thomas and then Philip who raised questions. Thomas’ question (v. 5) led to the well-known statement from Jesus: "I am the way, and the truth, and the life." (v. 6)

Philip, according to John’s Gospel is the third disciple to be called by Jesus and was the one who had invited Nathanael to ‘come and see’. (John 1:46) But in today’s reading he asked to see or ‘be shown’ the Father (ie God – v. 8). Even though he clearly saw something very special in Jesus at the start of this journey, Philip hadn’t yet really ‘seen’ what it meant. Jesus’ response suggests that he understood these varying levels of ‘seeing’ and wanted to encourage Philip by inviting him to trust Jesus and to imitate him. That was enough for the time being.

Today’s passage closes with encouragement to pray ‘in my name’. We should remember that in the Bible someone’s name represents something more than the ‘tag’ that they go by.  Biblical names often reflect the context of the person’s origin, circumstances of their birth or some situation into which they are born. Names also reflect the nature and character of a person. So, praying ‘in the name of Jesus’ means praying in line with who Jesus was and the example he gave. It’s not a magic formula for asking whatever it is we fancy, but it aligns us with Jesus’ love as we seek the reign of God in those things that are on our hearts.

To Ponder:

• What is your understanding of Jesus saying he is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to God except through him? (v. 6)
• What is on your heart today that you want to be brought in line with God’s love and justice?

Prayer
Father God, like Philip we struggle to see you, even when we have Jesus as our guide and example. But just as a child doesn’t always need physically to see their father, help us just to be close and feel your presence. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Pamela Cram
Pamela worked in several circuits and ecumenical posts in Wales before retiring in the Swansea Valley, where she is involved in a non-denominational community project; a church partnership with a Welsh independent church; and action for Fairtrade.