"Come and See: A Journey of Faith"
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
by Kenny Sallee, ThM
Introduction
As the golden sun rises over a tranquil landscape, a serene and inviting scene unfolds. In the center, a humble and wise teacher, dressed in simple yet dignified attire, stands beneath a flourishing fig tree. His expression is one of gentle wisdom and profound understanding, radiating a sense of peace and assurance.
Around him, a diverse group of individuals gathers, each representing a different walk of life, yet united in their quest for truth and enlightenment. Among them is a young man, initially skeptical but now visibly moved by the teacher's words. His eyes, once doubtful, now shine with the light of newfound faith and wonder.
The teacher's message is simple yet profound, speaking of the beauty of faith and the joy of discovery. He invites all to "come and see," to explore the depths of their beliefs and the wonders of the spiritual path. His words echo through the hearts of his listeners, stirring emotions of hope, curiosity, and a deep sense of belonging.
In the background, the fig tree stands as a symbol of knowledge and spiritual growth, its branches reaching towards the heavens, mirroring the aspirational journey of the faithful. The scene is bathed in a warm, divine light, suggesting the presence of a higher power and the transformative power of faith.
This image captures the essence of today's Gospel message inspired by John 1:43-51, "Encountering the Divine: The Call of Nathanael," portraying a moment of spiritual awakening and the invitation to embark on a journey of faith and discovery.
Let us revisit the text:
The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, “Follow me.”
Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip 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.”
“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked.
“Come and see,” said Philip.
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:43-51)
Good morning, Brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we gather to explore a remarkable story from the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verses 43 to 51—a narrative that invites us on a journey of faith, encapsulated in the simple yet profound invitation, "Come and See."
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, in Your boundless grace and love, we gather today under Your watchful eye and open hearts, inspired by the message of John 1:43-51. As we embark on this journey of faith, we seek Your guidance and wisdom.
Lord, like Nathanael under the fig tree, we come with our doubts, questions, and hopes. Help us to see beyond our uncertainties, and like Philip, to be eager to share the good news of Your love with others.
Open our eyes to recognize Your presence in our midst, just as Nathanael acknowledged Christ. May we be awestruck by the greater things You have in store for us, surpassing our understanding yet deeply rooted in our faith.
Grant us the courage to step forward on this path, trusting in Your word. Teach us to be instruments of Your peace and love, reflecting the light of Christ in our words and actions.
As we delve into the Gospel message, fill us with Your Holy Spirit. May the lessons we learn today resonate within us, guiding our steps and illuminating our journey in faith.
We thank You, Lord, for the opportunity to gather and worship. Bless our congregation, our leaders, and all those who seek You with a sincere heart.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
The Story of Nathanael
Our story begins with Jesus deciding to go to Galilee. He finds Philip and says to him, “Follow me.” Philip, hailing from the same town as Andrew and Peter, accepts this call without hesitation. But the real intrigue unfolds when Philip finds Nathanael.
“Nathanael,” Philip exclaims, “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.”
Nathanael's response is skeptical, even cynical: “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Yet, Philip doesn’t argue or persuade; he simply says, “Come and see.”
This invitation marks the beginning of Nathanael's journey. He approaches Jesus, and before a word is spoken, Jesus says, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
From Skepticism to Faith
How does Jesus know him? Nathanael wonders aloud. Jesus replies, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” This revelation is profound for Nathanael. It transforms his skepticism into faith, and he confesses, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
Jesus, pleased with Nathanael's declaration of faith, promises, “You will see greater things than that… You will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Knowing and Being Known
Jesus' prior knowledge of Nathanael's presence under the fig tree strikingly highlights God's deep and all-encompassing understanding of us. This profound insight into our deepest fears, doubts, and aspirations, even before we make the choice to follow Him, is not intended for passing judgment. Rather, it's aimed at strengthening our connection with the divine and fostering our individual transformation. It's a reminder that God is intimately aware of our journey, even in moments we think are unseen.
Nathanael's initial reluctance to accept anything good coming from Nazareth is a reflection of our own uncertainties and preconceived ideas, which are often limited by our personal experiences and narrow viewpoints. In this scenario, Philip's method of dealing with Nathanael's skepticism—eschewing arguments and persuasion—teaches us a vital truth about the nature of faith. True faith isn’t about using compelling arguments to convert others; it's about guiding them to experience Christ for themselves, to encounter Him in a way that is meaningful and transformative in their unique spiritual journey.
The Promise of Greater Things
Jesus promises Nathanael that he will see “heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” This promise extends to us. In our journey of faith, we are promised not just the mundane but glimpses of the divine, moments where heaven touches earth in our everyday experiences.
The Message for Us
Brothers and sisters, this story is a vivid illustration of faith's journey. Nathanael’s initial skepticism is not condemned but met with an invitation to experience and see for himself. This is the essence of our faith journey—moving from doubt to belief, from questioning to experiencing.
The "fig tree" moments in our lives are those times of contemplation, questioning, and seeking truth. Jesus sees us in these moments, just as he saw Nathanael. He understands our doubts and invites us to come and see.
Application to Our Lives
1. Invitation to Experience: Let us be like Philip, inviting others to “come and see.” Our testimony should be an open invitation for others to experience God’s grace.
2. Embracing Skepticism: When faced with doubt, either within ourselves or in others, let us remember that skepticism can be the starting point of a deeper faith journey.
3. Intimacy with God: Recognize that God knows us deeply and loves us unconditionally. This knowledge is the foundation of our relationship with Him.
4. Expecting the Extraordinary: In our walk with God, let us be open to experiencing the extraordinary, the moments where the divine intersects with our daily lives.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, the story of Nathanael beautifully encapsulates the essence of a faith-filled life. His journey from skepticism to belief is not met with judgment but with a warm, inclusive invitation to witness the truth firsthand. Our faith, too, is a dynamic journey that evolves from questioning to understanding, from doubt to profound belief.
These moments of reflection, akin to Nathanael’s time under the fig tree, are sacred. They are times when we delve deep into our souls, questioning and seeking. In these moments, just as He did with Nathanael, Jesus sees us fully. He recognizes our uncertainties and lovingly beckons us to “come and see”—to explore the depths of our faith and witness His presence in our lives.
As we ponder this narrative, let's actively engage in our own spiritual journeys. Let us adopt Philip's approach, extending the simple yet powerful invitation to "come and see" to those around us. And may we, like Nathanael, remain open to the profound changes that an encounter with Christ can bring.
May our lives be graced with wondrous sights—the signs of God's presence, the subtle glimpses of His kingdom on earth, and the enduring influence of Jesus, the Son of Man, weaving through our everyday experiences.
Therefore, I invite you, beloved friends, to embark on this extraordinary journey of faith. Let us step forward with hearts open to amazement and eyes ready to behold the marvels that faith in Christ unfolds.
Prayer:
Gracious and Loving God, as we conclude our time together, we give thanks for the profound truths revealed to us through Your Word.
Lord, just as You called Nathanael to step out from under the fig tree and into a life of discipleship, call us too from our places of comfort and familiarity. Help us to embrace the journey of faith with courage and openness, trusting in Your guiding hand.
We ask for eyes to see and hearts to understand the wonders of Your kingdom. May we, like Philip, be eager to invite others to experience the joy and transformation found in knowing Christ. Give us the wisdom to approach our doubts and questions not with fear, but with the assurance that You are always with us, ready to reveal deeper truths.
Bless us, Father, with the spirit of Nathanael, that we may recognize Jesus in our midst and proclaim Him as our Lord and King. May our lives be a testament to Your love and grace, drawing others to come and see the goodness of Your works.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
1. Invitation to Experience: Let us be like Philip, inviting others to “come and see.” Our testimony should be an open invitation for others to experience God’s grace.
2. Embracing Skepticism: When faced with doubt, either within ourselves or in others, let us remember that skepticism can be the starting point of a deeper faith journey.
3. Intimacy with God: Recognize that God knows us deeply and loves us unconditionally. This knowledge is the foundation of our relationship with Him.
4. Expecting the Extraordinary: In our walk with God, let us be open to experiencing the extraordinary, the moments where the divine intersects with our daily lives.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, dear brothers and sisters, the story of Nathanael beautifully encapsulates the essence of a faith-filled life. His journey from skepticism to belief is not met with judgment but with a warm, inclusive invitation to witness the truth firsthand. Our faith, too, is a dynamic journey that evolves from questioning to understanding, from doubt to profound belief.
These moments of reflection, akin to Nathanael’s time under the fig tree, are sacred. They are times when we delve deep into our souls, questioning and seeking. In these moments, just as He did with Nathanael, Jesus sees us fully. He recognizes our uncertainties and lovingly beckons us to “come and see”—to explore the depths of our faith and witness His presence in our lives.
As we ponder this narrative, let's actively engage in our own spiritual journeys. Let us adopt Philip's approach, extending the simple yet powerful invitation to "come and see" to those around us. And may we, like Nathanael, remain open to the profound changes that an encounter with Christ can bring.
May our lives be graced with wondrous sights—the signs of God's presence, the subtle glimpses of His kingdom on earth, and the enduring influence of Jesus, the Son of Man, weaving through our everyday experiences.
Therefore, I invite you, beloved friends, to embark on this extraordinary journey of faith. Let us step forward with hearts open to amazement and eyes ready to behold the marvels that faith in Christ unfolds.
Prayer:
Gracious and Loving God, as we conclude our time together, we give thanks for the profound truths revealed to us through Your Word.
Lord, just as You called Nathanael to step out from under the fig tree and into a life of discipleship, call us too from our places of comfort and familiarity. Help us to embrace the journey of faith with courage and openness, trusting in Your guiding hand.
We ask for eyes to see and hearts to understand the wonders of Your kingdom. May we, like Philip, be eager to invite others to experience the joy and transformation found in knowing Christ. Give us the wisdom to approach our doubts and questions not with fear, but with the assurance that You are always with us, ready to reveal deeper truths.
Bless us, Father, with the spirit of Nathanael, that we may recognize Jesus in our midst and proclaim Him as our Lord and King. May our lives be a testament to Your love and grace, drawing others to come and see the goodness of Your works.
In Jesus' name, we pray, Amen.
Scripture is taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Sermon by Kenny Sallee, ThM.
In today's Gospel message, we witness the transformative power of a simple invitation—one that beckons us into a deeper, more personal relationship with Christ. As we delve into this story, we encounter Nathanael, a man initially shrouded in skepticism, whose encounter with Jesus Christ alters his perspective and ignites a profound journey of faith.
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