Nathaniel & Philip
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, Jesus said to him, “Follow me.”
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 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.”
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
– John 1:43-46
Transformed. Meeting Jesus changed them. It still does. This week we study Nathaniel & Philip in our sermon series exploring the people Jesus encountered in his ministry. Philip was eager to follow Jesus and wanted to bring Nathanael along with him. Nathanael had to overcome his preconceived prejudice against Jesus because he was from Nazareth.
Are there times in your life when your preconceived notions limit your ability to participate fully or be open to ideas? I know mine do! Nathanael and Philip were eager to see changes in their society. They wanted to see the government change. They wanted people to return to faithful life according to the laws of Moses. They were actively looking for the Messiah. They were willing to sacrifice for the cause.
Nathanael was sceptical about this supposed leader coming from a nowhere place like Nazareth. It was an obstacle to his trust and open mind. But Philip gently invited him to come and see for himself. That’s all we are called to do in this life of faith… gently invite people to come and see for themselves. We are also called to gently allow ourselves to see something from a different perspective. None of us has our faith all figured out. Every one of us is constantly learning new and amazing things about God, when we are actively working out our faith. God invites us to come and see new mysteries. God invites us to come and see the work of transformation in the lives of people we had written off or determined were too far gone. God is inviting us to come and see the ways the Holy Spirit is renewing our church. Will you… come and see?
Question for the week: Am I able to see where Jesus is going, or is something obstructing my vision?
O God, the Creator and Preserver of all mankind; In whom to dwell is to find peace and security; toward whom to turn is to find life and life eternal, we humbly beseech Thee for all sorts and conditions of men; that thou wouldst be pleased to make thy ways known unto them, Thy saving health unto all nations. We also pray for Thy holy Church universal; that it may be so guided and governed by thy Spirit, that all who profess and call themselves Christians may be led into the way of truth, and hold the faith in unity of spirit, in the land of peace, and in righteousness of life. Finally we commend to thy Fatherly goodness all those who are in any way afflicted or distressed in mind or body. Give them patience under the suffering and power of endurance. This we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen. (prayer by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
