John 1:43-51 (NRSV)
Read John 1:43-51 on biblegateway.com
Verse 43The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Verse 44Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Verse 45Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth." Verse 46Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Verse 47When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" Verse 48Nathanael asked him, "Where did you get to know me?" Jesus answered, "I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you." Verse 49Nathanael replied, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Verse 50Jesus answered, "Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these." Verse 51And he said to him, "Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man."
Devotion
What would it take to prove to you that Jesus is the Christ? What would you have to see before you’d be willing to risk your entire life for the One who claims to be your Lord?
Those were the questions Nathanael faced as he found himself face-to-face with Jesus. And, he came to faith when Jesus told him about his own life.
As God’s beloved children, we have been called to place our trust in Jesus. We may never see Jesus face-to-face like Nathanael, but we are able to see what He has done for us. Look to the manger. That’s where you’ll see the One born for you. Look to His teachings. That’s where you’ll see how God wants you to live. Look to the cross. That’s where you’ll see the answer to your sin. And, look to the empty tomb of Jesus. That’s where you’ll find your hope.
It’s the best proof you’ll ever find. It’s the one calling worth risking everything you have.
Prayer
Gracious God, you have called us to follow your Son in faith, and calling us have given us all the proof we need. Help us to look to the things He has accomplished for us and, thereby, find the courage to risk everything we have for Him. Amen.