Jesus found Philip and invited him to follow. Just as Andrew had reached out to Simon Peter, Philip reached out to Nathanael to tell him about Jesus, saying, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth” (1:45). Nathanael had doubts and questions. Scoffing, he asked, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip did not attempt to argue Nathanael out of his prejudice. Philip listened, without interrupting to defend Nazareth or Jesus. Nor was Philip defensive or apologetic about the invitation he had extended. Instead, Philip said, “Come and see.” The invitation to follow Jesus is a sturdy summons that can withstand questions and doubts.
Referring to Nathanael, Jesus said, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (1:47). Jesus’ response honored Nathanael’s skepticism and invited him to deeper engagement. Meeting Jesus is an invitation to seek, to explore, to follow and to experience wonder.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “Meetings with Jesus” by Julie A. Kanarr in the January/February 2019 Gather magazine. Today is the Second Sunday after Epiphany.
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