The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.” “Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” “How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!””
Irene Snyder
Destiny City Church – Tacoma WA
Big View: Person of Peace
Small View: Preparation – Passing Relationships
Observation: I love the connection in these men, a true conversation and truth being spoken. Jesus is not swayed by actions, but only by what He knows and He speaks this truth to Nathanael…… “a true and genuine son of Israel” – a man of complete integrity! I wonder if this is just what Nathanael needed to hear and be reminded of this day. Wouldn’t that just be like Jesus to come in the midst of a tough day and speak truth over us and who we are.
Action: I am surrounded daily by people who need to hear an encouraging word of God knowing who they are. It’s a crazy hustle and bustle I live in, and so often I deal with self pity and my eyes are on myself and my own circumstances. My action plan is to take my eyes off me and place my eyes on and be on the look out for people of peace that are ready and waiting to be reminded of what God says about them…… His love poured out through me to them in an amazing connection.
Observation: Jesus has his eye on us long before we turn to him, seeing the person of worth and value not the screw-up we see. He goes out of his way to want to walk with us. How many kings do that?
Action: Meet his gaze and see myself the way he sees me. Make a conscious choice to walk with him this day.
Irene, I really loved your observation and it spoke to my heart. Thank you.