The Call of Nathanael
| The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, "Follow me." 44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 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." 46 "Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" Nathanael asked. "Come and see," said Philip. 47 When 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." 49 Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." 50 Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that." 51 He then added, "I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (John1:43-51) |
We do not know what kind of heart preparation Philip experienced; for usually God prepares a person before He calls him. We do know that Philip proved his faith by seeking to share it with his friend Nathanael.
John 21:2 suggests that at least seven of our Lords disciples were fisherman, including Nathanael. Fishermen are courageous and stick to their job; no matter how difficult it may be. But Nathanael started out as a doubter; he did not believe that anything worthwhile could come out of Nazareth. Jesus was born in Bethlehem, grew up in Nazareth and bore that stigma.
To be called a "Nazarene" meant to be looked down on and rejected.
When Nathanael hesitated and argued; Phillip adopted our Lord's own words; come and see (John 1:39); and come and dine.
Come is the great invitation of God's grace. When Nathanael came to Jesus; he discovered that the Lord already knew all about him. What a shock!
When Jesus revealed this knowledge of Nathanael; where he had been and what he was doing; this was enough to convince the man that Jesus was indeed the Son of God; the King of Israel.
His experience was like that of the Samaritan woman at the well.
When the Messiah came; He will tell us all things; Come; and see a man who told me all things that I ever did.
The revealing of human heart should also take place in the ministry of local churches / congregations.
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Lita Madaka is married to Lungelwa
Blessed with two kids: ( Khanyisile and Linokhanyo ).
Currently ministering at Duff Congregation in Idutywa, Eastern Cape for the past 11 years. He likes jokes, he's too conservative and outspoken !
