The answer is: Philip

John 14:8-9 - Philip who hadn't seen the transfiguration wanted to see the glory of God, but he had already seen the Father through the manifestation in Christ by just being with Jesus.

In that poignant moment in John 14:8-9, Philip, one of Jesus' closest followers, expresses a deep desire to see God, showing how common it is for believers to crave a tangible connection with the divine. Interestingly, Philip’s question resonates with a profound theme throughout the scriptures: the human search for understanding the nature of God. It's like wanting to glimpse the artist's true face behind the captivating masterpiece—they yearn to relate personally to the Creator.

What's notable is that Philip's request is met with a gentle revelation as Jesus responds, "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." This underlines a key theological concept—that the nature of the divine is fully embodied in the character of Christ. It hints at a deep unity; much like how water takes the shape of a cup yet remains water.

Adding to the intrigue, Philip's identity echoes ancient prophetic traditions. Consider that he shares a name with the Philip of the Old Testament, an example of connecting with one's roots. Intriguingly, in early church history after the events of the Gospels, Philip the Evangelist became notable in spreading the message beyond Jewish communities, launching a scholarship of thought on reaching understanding—even further enriching the dynamic of divine manifestation.

So, when contemplating Philip's request, one might reflect on their own quest to see and know the divine essence in their lives today, spilling over into a quest for spirituality and community.