Skeptic’s Confession
John 1:43-51
“...under the fig tree, I saw you.” (v 48)
Nathanael trudged along behind his friend Phillip. Philip had begged Nathanael to meet a man named Jesus whom Philip believed was the Messiah. Nathanael didn’t believe for a minute the man could be the Messiah. After all, he was from Nazareth! Nathanael wished Philip would use more logic before making decisions. His jaw tightened with irritation.
They approached a group of people standing near the side of the road. One man separated himself from the others and watched Nathanael and Philip approach. Nathanael guessed this ordinary-looking individual was Jesus. Nothing about him stood out. Nathanael shook his head. ‘How could Philip be so taken in?’ he wondered.
Then Jesus called out to Nathanael, “Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile!” (v 47) Nathanael’s footsteps faltered. “How do you know me?” he asked. Jesus said that before Philip had called him, He had seen Nathanael under the fig tree (v 48).
Nathanael was taken aback. Jesus’ statement confounded reason, which Nathanael lived by. Then Nathanael did something out of character. He confessed Jesus as the Messiah (v 49).
Is something in your character-- skepticism, distrust, arrogance-- keeping you from believing in Jesus? Jesus knows and understands you. Give Him your heart and He will bring meaning into your life.
PRAYER: O Creator, thank you for loving me in spite of my faults. I will trust you. Amen.
Kayleen Reusser
www.KayleenR.com
“...under the fig tree, I saw you.” (v 48)
Nathanael trudged along behind his friend Phillip. Philip had begged Nathanael to meet a man named Jesus whom Philip believed was the Messiah. Nathanael didn’t believe for a minute the man could be the Messiah. After all, he was from Nazareth! Nathanael wished Philip would use more logic before making decisions. His jaw tightened with irritation.
They approached a group of people standing near the side of the road. One man separated himself from the others and watched Nathanael and Philip approach. Nathanael guessed this ordinary-looking individual was Jesus. Nothing about him stood out. Nathanael shook his head. ‘How could Philip be so taken in?’ he wondered.
Then Jesus called out to Nathanael, “Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile!” (v 47) Nathanael’s footsteps faltered. “How do you know me?” he asked. Jesus said that before Philip had called him, He had seen Nathanael under the fig tree (v 48).
Nathanael was taken aback. Jesus’ statement confounded reason, which Nathanael lived by. Then Nathanael did something out of character. He confessed Jesus as the Messiah (v 49).
Is something in your character-- skepticism, distrust, arrogance-- keeping you from believing in Jesus? Jesus knows and understands you. Give Him your heart and He will bring meaning into your life.
PRAYER: O Creator, thank you for loving me in spite of my faults. I will trust you. Amen.
Kayleen Reusser
www.KayleenR.com
posted by Kayleen | 4:31 AM
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