Day 3 – John 1: 43-51
As Jews, Phillip and Nathanial learnt of the one who Moses and the prophets wrote about in scripture. When Jesus invited Philip to follow Him on a journey, Philip had a revelation that Jesus was ‘the one’.
Philip invited Nathanial to join the group following Jesus. Nathanial found it hard to believe Jesus could be the Son of God; having grown up a few miles from Nazareth, local village rivalry could have influenced his thoughts. Philip didn’t argue, simply said ‘Come and see’ – to judge for himself.
As Nathanial spoke with Jesus he learnt that Jesus had seen him ‘under the fig tree’: that meant the place he went to for undisturbed peace, to reflect and meditate. Jesus knew the inmost thoughts of Nathanial: things not voiced to others. Jesus referred to Jacob’s dream of a ladder going up to Heaven (familiar to Nathanial from the Torah); revealing that the Way to Heaven is through Jesus alone.
From my times in Sunday School and school assemblies I believed in Jesus, but didn’t have a personal faith in Him. At a crossroads of longing and dissatisfaction in life, my ‘Philip’ came in the form of friends whose lifestyle was shaped by their faith in Jesus. They let me ask questions, invited me to Christian meetings and gave an open invitation to go to church with them….to ‘come and see’. Alone I would ponder on our conversations. Eventually I attended a few Christian meetings where I was challenged to make a commitment to follow Jesus: a turning point in my life.
Through church fellowship I was eager to get to know Jesus better and became open to involvement in missionary activity. Through time ‘under the fig tree’ at home, studying scripture, my fears were quelled, trust in Jesus grew…enough to take steps to follow on that journey.
Lord, guide me to see who to invite to come along with me. Grant me the courage to speak of my life with You; and the faith to see You revealed to those around me.
By Liz Fernandez
Cleveland & Danby Circuit
Circuit Steward