John 1:43-51 (NRSV)
Read John 1:43-51 on biblegateway.com
Verse 43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Verse 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Verse 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Verse 46Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Verse 47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Verse 48Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Verse 49Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Verse 50Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." Verse 51And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
Devotion
Philip found Nathanael and told him about the one Moses and other prophets wrote – Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael, a bit more skeptical, said “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip did not argue or answer any questions. He simply said, “Come and see.” To his amazement, Nathanael came. And when he encountered Jesus the Nazarene he responded by saying, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
There are many, including myself, who like Nathanael want to see first, before we commit ourselves. We need more Philips among us who will take courage to go, find individuals and invite them to come and see Jesus the Son of God and the living Messiah, who knows everything – our past, present and future.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, search our hearts and open our eyes so that we might know you. Amen