John 1: 43-51
Choosing from among the many scenes that the writer of John describes is difficult. However, I have chosen three encounters of individual questioners of Jesus—one who became a disciple, a Pharisee who is seeking, and a foreign (Samaritan) woman—and one from many questions raised by the Jews. Following in the order that John includes them, perhaps we can see new dimensions to both Jesus and ourselves.
Today we begin with a question from Nathanael. Jesus had already met his brother Philip and recruited him as a follower. Phillip sought his brother and reported that he had found the one for which they had been looking for years, the one about whom Moses and the prophets wrote. Nathanael seemingly is not impressed. But perhaps out of loyalty to his brother or curiosity he comes to where Jesus is. Jesus greets him with comment “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Surprised, maybe threatened, maybe pleased, Nathanael asks, “Where did you get to know me?”
Have you been recognized by one you did not know at all? How did it feel? Have you felt another can see straight through you and knows that which you wish to hide? What did you do?
Choosing from among the many scenes that the writer of John describes is difficult. However, I have chosen three encounters of individual questioners of Jesus—one who became a disciple, a Pharisee who is seeking, and a foreign (Samaritan) woman—and one from many questions raised by the Jews. Following in the order that John includes them, perhaps we can see new dimensions to both Jesus and ourselves.
Today we begin with a question from Nathanael. Jesus had already met his brother Philip and recruited him as a follower. Phillip sought his brother and reported that he had found the one for which they had been looking for years, the one about whom Moses and the prophets wrote. Nathanael seemingly is not impressed. But perhaps out of loyalty to his brother or curiosity he comes to where Jesus is. Jesus greets him with comment “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Surprised, maybe threatened, maybe pleased, Nathanael asks, “Where did you get to know me?”
Have you been recognized by one you did not know at all? How did it feel? Have you felt another can see straight through you and knows that which you wish to hide? What did you do?
How does it affect you to sense you are known deeply?
Jesus’ answer seems on first read to be on the surface and somewhat enigmatic. “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” he says. To which Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Rather a grand leap of faith one might think. Even Jesus seems to wonder about this source of belief. He assures him he will see even greater things.
But what does this questioning and answering tell us about Jesus and our questions of him. No quick insights seem to appear. Did something get left out in the telling? The illusions to the patriarch Jacob, Israel, are obvious. Jacob used guile to become the inheritor of Yahweh’s covenant. Jesus seems to recognize the commitment of Nathanael to his faith for he sees him in the position the rabbis encourage for study of the Law—under a fig tree, at home. Apparently as Jesus comments on Nathanael’s being he sees the connection and knows Jesus. Jesus affirms his insight and promises even more; the heavens will open as they had in Jacob's dream but now the Son of Man will be the ladder.
Let the imagery become your own. How does Jesus’ knowing of us as we are open the doors to knowing him as he is? What question for you parts this veil?
Jesus, when we come, when we ask, when you respond the gates of heaven are opened. We can but stand in awe. And yet you promise more. How thankful we are you know us. Amen.
Blessings
Caroline
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