So far in the gospel of John Jesus has called Andrew and Peter to follow him. In this next passage from John 1:43-51 we see Philipp and Nathanael added to the group. Philp was a local boy and from the Galilee area and he found Nathanael and told him of Jesus saying he was the one whom Moses had written about.

⁴³ The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.” ⁴⁴ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. ⁴⁵ Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

It would seem from the next words recorded by John, show Nathanael to be somewhat of a cynic and regarded Nazareth as a place of less culture and worth. He remarks, surely nothing good or noteworthy could possibly come from there. Philip is undeterred and still invites Nathanael to come and meet Jesus. ⁴⁶ “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.

Jesus greets Nathanael head on with comments about his personality. This takes Nathanael by surprise and causes him to question this man. ⁴⁷ When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” ⁴⁸ “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” ⁴⁹ Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” ⁵⁰ Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” ⁵¹ He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” Nathanael comes away convinced of who Jesus is because he was able to tell him what he was doing even before meeting him. Jesus is amused as he says you are amazed at that small feat, you just wait there is so much more you will see.

What do we learn about Jesus from the calling of Philip and Nathanael? Some people, like Philip, need little persuading. They see and experience Jesus and step out in faith. Then there are the cynics and doubters like Nathanael. When they take the step into faith, they are totally convinced and ready to set their previous cynicism aside and join in. Like Andrew, Philip was eager to tell his friend Nathanael of who he had found. What about you? Do you seek to bring others with you to church or gatherings with Christian friends so that they may be exposed and hear about Jesus? Are you cynical and waiting for ‘proof’ before stepping out in faith. Where ever you are, Jesus will meet you there. He desires that all should know Him. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 “This is good, and pleases God our Savior, ⁴ who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.” 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

Being called to walk with Jesus and learn from Him is an amazing opportunity that will change your life. Step out and see for yourself. You will be convinced and not disappointed.

Linda