Come and See

From Darkness to Light  God Prepares the Way John the Baptist Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)  John 1:43-51 The Voice 43-44 The next day, Jesus set out to go into Galilee; and when He came upon Philip, He invited him to join them. Jesus: Follow Me. Philip, like Andrew and Peter, came from a town called Bethsaida; and he decided to make the journey with Him. 45 Philip found Nathanael, a friend, and burst in with excitement: Philip: We have found the One. Moses wrote about Him in the Law, all the prophets spoke of the day when He would come, and now He is here—His name is Jesus, son of Joseph the carpenter; and He comes from Nazareth. Nathanael: 46 How can anything good come from a place like Nazareth? Philip: Come with me, and see for yourself. 47 As Philip and Nathanael approached, Jesus saw Nathanael and spoke to those standing around Him. Jesus: Look closely, and you will see an Israelite who is a truth-teller. Nathanael (overhearing Jesus): 48 How would You know this about me? We have never met. Jesus: I have been watching you before Philip invited you here. Earlier in the day, you were enjoying the shade and fruit of the fig tree. I saw you then. Nathanael: 49 Teacher, You are the One—God's own Son and Israel's King. Jesus: 50 Nathanael, if all it takes for you to believe is My telling you I saw you under the fig tree, then what you will see later will astound you. 51 I tell you the truth: before our journey is complete, you will see the heavens standing open while heavenly messengers ascend and descend, swirling around the Son of Man. For Reflection If you have been reading closely, this is the third "next day." The first "next day" text identified the titles of Jesus. The second "next day" text announced the invitation and promise of Jesus. On the third "next day," Jesus invited Philip and Nathanael to join Him in His journey to announce the Way to establish the promise of the Son of God. Why did Jesus select Nathanael? Because He saw him under the fig tree where Rabbis might gather to discuss theological matters and recognized Nathanael as a truth-teller. Pray Pray that all you see and do in witness to the resurrected Christ can establish you as a truth-teller. In prayer, seek the truth in scripture and from personal experience and the experiences of others. Forward to a friend Sign up for our mailing list!