The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Big View: Person of Peace
Small View: Perception – Presence
Drew Witt
Gathering Midtown – San Antonio TX
Observation: I notice that the rhythm of people introducing others to Jesus stops here (as seen earlier in John 1. Instead of someone bringing Philip to Jesus, Jesus is the one to find Philip. Why does John point out that Andrew and Peter are from the same hometown as Philip? Did Andrew and Peter miss out on the perception of Philip being a person of peace?
Action: Today I will perceive those “in my hometown” that I naturally share presence with. Instead of taking their relationship for granted, I will look for opportunities to be truly present and listen for the signs of peace.
1. Step back and get a bigger picture. Look for the ones who are looking at me, waiting for me to say “Come and see “.
1. Learn some new names. Knowing a name places value.
Good word Karla
last time what stood out to me in this passage was how Philip responded to Nathanael’s pessimistic reply with a simple invitation to “come and see”. This time what stands out is how Jesus addresses Nathanael and Nathanael’s astonishment at how Jesus already knows him. It reminds me that no matter how pessimistic or even antagonistic a person may seem, Jesus knows them. And that maybe my main task isn’t to frantically search for logically- and Scripturally-sound refutations for their pessimism but instead to prayerfully seek and act on the Spirit’s guidance on ways to invite and direct them to the One who already knows them
So so true!
Love the observations my brother Drew! Great Example of an action too.
Observation: “Follow Me” and “Come and See.” The invitation to simply give someone access to Your life is so central to You Jesus, and yet so foreign to so many today. Perceiving where someone is and allowing them into my life and be present has huge impact at times. This time Philip who has only begun to follow Jesus invites friends to “Come and See.” This takes a lot of pressure out of the feeling I need to perform somehow. Philip is just being Philip and turns out to be a gatekeeper to other families.
Action: What I hear You saying is, “You can do it!” Today I will open my eyes for individuals that might want to be present with me for a bit as I follow Jesus.