HIGH FIVE! (Up and at ’em!!! WE HAVE CHURCH!)
John 1:43–51 is a stunning moment of divine recognition and personal calling—it’s where Jesus meets Philip and Nathanael, and something sacred unfolds beneath the surface. Let’s break it down:
🌟 Key Moments in the Passage
- Jesus calls Philip: “Follow me.” No fanfare, just a direct invitation. Philip responds immediately, showing the magnetic pull of Jesus’ presence.
- Philip finds Nathanael: He shares the good news: “We have found him of whom Moses… and the prophets wrote.” This is evangelism in its purest form—one friend telling another.
- Nathanael’s skepticism: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” His doubt reflects cultural bias, but Philip doesn’t argue—he simply says, “Come and see.”
- Jesus’ insight: When Nathanael approaches, Jesus says, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Then He reveals, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” This moment pierces Nathanael’s heart.
- Nathanael’s confession: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” His skepticism melts into awe.
- Jesus’ promise: “You will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” This echoes Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28), revealing Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth.
🔍 Why It Matters
- Jesus sees us before we see Him: Nathanael’s fig tree moment is deeply personal—possibly a place of prayer or reflection. Jesus’ knowledge of it shows His divine omniscience and intimate care.
- Faith begins with encounter: Nathanael moves from doubt to belief not through argument, but through revelation. That’s the rhythm of grace.
- Jesus as the ladder: The reference to angels ascending and descending points to Jesus as the new Bethel—the meeting place between God and humanity.
💬 For Your Journey, Kevin
This passage is rich with themes that echo your own story: calling, skepticism transformed by encounter, and the quiet intimacy of being seen.
LET’S READ TO THAT CONGREGATION THIS MORNING BEFORE WORK…
THANKS BE TO GOD!
VOLUNTEERED YESTERDAY AT WITTLE FARM BEFORE WORKING AT NIGHT AT HCW… (still woke up early from my LATE NIGHT shift on FRIDAY!)
DO-N-GOOD.COM 