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
Bartholomew, who is mentioned in the lists of the apostles in the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts, is identified as Nathanael in John’s gospel. A friend of Philip, who was brought to Christ by Andrew and his brother Peter, Nathanael was among the first of the disciples. His famous question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” was an indication of his initial caution. Yet he remained receptive to Philip’s story and accepted his invitation to “Come and see.”
Few are brought to Christ through the power of argument, a tactic Philip does not try with Nathanael. The simple process of one friend telling another friend the story of their encounter with Jesus is likely to be a more welcome and effective witness. Is not this how it has worked for you? One friend told another friend who told a friend who told you!
Prayer
Thank you, God, for the witness of friends who have influenced and encouraged my faith. Help me to share my faith story, one friend to another. Amen.