Philip Tells Nathaniel and Another Follower is Born

Daily Lectionary Readings Psalm 30 Deuteronomy 7:17-26 Titus 3:1-15 John 1:43-51 John 1:43-51 New International Version (NIV) Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael  43The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me."  44Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."  46"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked.       "Come and see," said Philip.  47When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false."  48"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.       Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you."  49Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."  50Jesus said, "You believe[a] because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51He then added, "I tell you[b] the truth, you[c] shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." A day later, Jesus leaves the region with Andrew and Peter in tow. On the way he comes across Philip and simply says, "Follow me." Philip was from the same town as Andrew and Peter. Perhaps they quickly told him about Jesus. Something happened. Philip goes to Nathanael and tells him about Jesus. Nathanael, though, must not have heard yet of this man that people were proclaiming as Messiah. He was skeptical doubting that anything worthwhile could come from Nazareth. Philip, though insisted that he come and see for himself. As he approached, Jesus called him by name and was able to say that he had seen him as he sat under the fig tree before Philip arrived. This got his attention. Jesus could see things beyond his own range of sight--could he do more. Jesus says, "You shall see greater things than that…" Just a few days into his public ministry, Jesus was drawing to him the men that would travel with him and learn from him. He was drawing the men that would be the foundation of the church. From their witness, others would come to know Jesus and God's plan for him--and for us. Prayer: Lord, help us to be more like Philip and tell others about Jesus.


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