WYSIWYG

~~~ 1 John 3: 11-21 ~~~ Psalm 100 ~~~ John 1:43-51

 

Jesus wastes no time in seeking out a small group to assist in his ministry.

At the risk of sounding biased, Jesus acted as a typical male.

I have a problem that needs to be solved now.

He wastes no time in getting together his small band of disciples.

He knew he had much to teach them in a very short time.

 

He wisely went out and chose men from various walks of life...

He sought out fishermen, siblings, tax collectors, friends of friends.

In three years Jesus was able to lay the foundation for what we believe today.

That is amazing!

 

Did Nathanael believe because Jesus saw him

or did he believe because Jesus knew things about him?

When Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus he expresses his doubt.

 

“Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

 

Yet his curiosity gets the better of him and he sneaks up

 into a tree for a better view.

 

How many times have you experienced something profound

as a result of your curiosity?

I attended a healing service once out of curiosity

where I was surprised at what happened.

It was a very moving experience that I was not expecting.

 

 

Philip encourages Nathanael to "Come and see".

He actually listens to Philip,

which says something about their relationship.

Sometimes it is the invitation of someone who cares about you

 that is the catalyst for your into action.

 

Everything is at God's disposal when he wants to reach you.

Nothing is wasted when Jesus is at work in your heart.

 

Jesus sees the heart of Nathanael saying,

 

“Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him.”  

 

There is no duplicity in him...

what you see with Nathanael is what you get.

He is open and honest.

He knows nothing of what today would be viewed as 'politically correct'.

 

Jesus wants your whole being he is not concerned

about what is 'politically correct' or not.

 

Would Jesus say no duplicity exists in you?

Sit with that thought a moment today during your prayer time.

Jesus is still extending invitations

to come walk with him today...thousands of years later.

How Do You Know Me?

~~~ Rv 21: 9b- 14~~~ Psalm 145 ~~~ John 1: 45- 51 ~~~

 

In this Gospel story Jesus sees Nathaniel coming toward him and immediately complements him for being a true child of Israel.   

Jesus continues to comment the Nathaniel has no duplicity in him.

The dictionary defines duplicity

 as deceitfulness in speech or conduct,

as by speaking or acting in two different ways

to different people concerning the same matter;

double-dealing.

 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."

Nathaniel was surprised that Jesus knew of him much less

that he could label him a true child of Israel.

It is not much of a stretch to believe that Jesus could read much about

Nathaniel just by looking at him.

Many times Jesus reveals knowledge about a person

in his presence without being told.

 

Jesus can read our hearts.

Jesus can look into your eyes and words are not needed.

Of course Nathaniel does not know that Jesus possesses this ability

to read hearts. It is expected that he would be surprised.

To Jesus we are like an open book.

 

Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?"
Jesus answered and said to him,
"Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree."

What happens under the fig tree?

It was known that Rabbis like their forefathers

sat and studied under the fig-tree.

Was Nathaniel sitting there under the fig tree with the elders

soaking up as much of their knowledge as he could?

Perhaps the fig tree was a favorite spot for Nathaniel; a place

where he could go to quietly reflect on his life.

Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

There seems to be some mutual recognition between Jesus and Nathaniel.

Nathaniel addresses Jesus as Rabbi...a title of respect...of teacher.

He also immediately acknowledges Jesus as the King of Israel.

 

Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?

Whatever happened to Nathaniel under the fig tree was personal

and Jesus somehow reveals to Nathaniel he knew the secrets in his heart.

Jesus makes reference to the fig tree setting it apart as significant.

If the fig tree was not somehow important; then why would

Jesus even mention it to Nathaniel.

 

You will see greater things than this."

 

Jesus says to Nathaniel if you think what happens

under the fig tree is great

you are in for a real treat if you come with me.

You will experience things that will blow you away...

just walk with me for awhile and you will be amazed.

 

 

Here is our invitation...

this passage has been my inspiration for inviting my readers

to join me under the fig tree.

Truths are revealed the fig tree...Jesus surprises us under the fig tree...

Jesus promises that if we come with him we too will see greater things.

 

Pray for God to amaze you with things far beyond your imagination.

There is no need for duplicity when Jesus is coming toward you.

After all what could you hide from Our Lord?