Today’s Reading: John 1:43-51; Psalm 139

Jesus now had his first two disciples — Andrew and Simon Peter. But Jesus was not done choosing those he would invite into his closest circle. These next verses tell the story of how two more came to know Jesus and become true followers of the Lord. May this passage inspire us to look back at our own path towards salvation, as well as consider the role God is asking us to play in someone else’s life today.

I love the intentionality with which Jesus built this small team of followers. They would be more than just traveling companions, bodyguards or assistants to serve him along the way. This group of men would be his disciples — students he would teach and prepare for all that God was calling them to be and to do.

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Come, follow me.” Philip was from Bethsaida, Andrew and Peter’s hometown. – John 1:43-44

Jesus was in Bethany when he called Andrew and Simon Peter to follow him. He then made a decision to go to Galilee. This passage said Jesus “found” Philip there. To me, this language implies that Jesus was looking for Philip, seeking him out with the opportunity to be one of his disciples. He had chosen Philip and perhaps he traveled to Galilee for the specific purpose of finding Philip.

Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.”
“Nazareth!” exclaimed Nathanael. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”
“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied. – John 1:45-46

In these next verses, we again see intentionality and determination. Upon receiving the call to follow Jesus, Philip went to look for Nathanael. Perhaps the two of them had many conversations discussing the coming Messiah. Perhaps he knew that Nathanael would share in his enthusiasm that he had found the One they had been hoping would come in their lifetime.

WHAT LENGTHS WOULD YOU GO TO IN ORDER TO INVITE YOUR FRIEND TO MEET JESUS?

What level of intentionality do you display in your relationships with others? Are you eager to introduce them to the One who has changed your life? Have you invited those you love to come and see the Lord for themselves?

As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”
“How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” – John 1:47-48

If Nathanael only came to meet Jesus out of curiosity, everything changed once he experienced the Lord face to face. He came to observe this Jesus Philip had told him about, but his heart was awakened to the reality that he was known by Jesus. He had been seen under the fig tree. This obviously meant something to Nathanael because his faith was ignited by this interaction with the Lord.

Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!”
Jesus asked him, “Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” Then he said, “I tell you the truth, you will all see heaven open and the angels of God going up and down on the Son of Man, the one who is the stairway between heaven and earth.” – John 1:49-51

Jesus acknowledged Nathanael’s past, interacted with him in that moment, and spoke hope over his future. Nathanael knew in that moment that he had the Lord’s full attention, and this interaction changed his life forever.

Lord, use this passage of scripture to give us perspective on your heart for those who have not come to you yet. Ignite a passion in our hearts to bring others to a place of recognition of your love and attention. May this same kind of intentionality daily guide us into conversations and invitations, and may we see many people finding their way into a saving knowledge of who you are and who you have called them to be. Lord, thank you for seeing me before I saw you. Thank you for the reminder this morning that I am known by the one who created me, and that you are actively involved in my life — yesterday, today and tomorrow. Amen.

You watched me as I was being formed in utter seclusion,
as I was woven together in the dark of the womb.
You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered! – Psalm 139:15-17