What does John 14:9 mean?
After Jesus promised to come and bring the disciples to be with Him (John 14:1–4), Thomas had asked how it was possible to know "the way" there when they didn't know where "there" was (John 14:5). Christ responded by claiming to be that way: that the means to salvation was through Him, not through human effort (John 14:6). He also mentioned seeing God (John 14:7), something which Philip was eager to do (John 14:8). Philip's question might have been a request to see something like Isaiah's vision (Isaiah 6:1) or the transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–2).Jesus starts with a gentle scolding, something He seems to have needed to do often for His inner circle (Matthew 16:9; Mark 8:21). The question itself is probably rhetorical, like asking someone "do you have no brain?" Jesus is not actually implying that Thomas does not know Him—He's making the point that Thomas does know Jesus, and for that reason he should understand what's being said. This figurative way of speaking continues into the next verse, as well.
This leads to a clear, unambiguous statement: to see Christ is to see God. They are One (John 14:7, 10–11). Philip is looking for some miraculous sign, but Jesus indicates His purpose is to be the revelation of God to mankind (2 Corinthians 4:6). In context with His other comments (John 10:30; 17:5), including frequent uses of "I Am" (John 8:58), there's no doubt whatsoever that Jesus confidently claimed to be God.
