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
Is the unifying theme of the readings this week how we hear and follow the one voice among so many? In previous verses John the Baptist hears the voice of God regarding Jesus and declares: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.” Andrew hears and tells his brother Simon: “We have found the Messiah.” Then Andrew tells his brother Simon. Simon listens and is given a new name.
In today’s reading Jesus now encounters Philip and says: “Follow me.” And he does. Amid the cacophony of voices what will enable us to hear the voice of God’s messengers and to follow this Jesus? Martin Luther’s Catechism meaning of the Third Article of the Apostles’ Creed reminds me that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord or come to Him. I need to hear that repeatedly.
Prayer
Kind and loving God, sometimes you speak directly to your people. More often you speak through the voices of angels or messengers or people. Grant us grace to hear your voice and to follow you. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.