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.” John 1:48 NABRE
John tells us the story of Nathanael, sometimes known as Bartholomew, being called as a disciple of Jesus. In many of the stories of calling it is Jesus Himself who invites others to be a member of His community. In the case of Nathaniel, it is Philip (someone previously called by Jesus to be a disciple) who goes to Nathaniel and declares we have found the one of whom Moses has spoken, and also the prophets, Jesus of Nazareth. Nathaniel challenges Philip but is told to “come and see.” This is typical of most invitations to meet Jesus, come and see for yourself. How each is effected by Jesus’ call, how we are moved in becoming a follower of Jesus cannot be explained, it can only be understood through experience and so any invitation to become a member of Jesus’ community is an invitation to come and see. Jesus speaks to Nathanael as he is coming toward him and Nathanael is surprised Jesus knows him. Jesus responds He saw Nathanael before Philip called him. For Nathanael this is evidence enough Jesus is the prophesied Messiah and gives Jesus homage, calling Him Rabbi, Son of God, and King of Israel. These are titles that match the prophecy of the coming Messiah, priest, prophet and king.
We don’t know what Jesus is doing or where He is while Philip invites Nathanael, but Jesus is watching. It is the declaration of God’s omnipresence, God is present everywhere all the time. We never know how Jesus knows all He knows but certainly in this case we can conclude Jesus through God was omnipresent. The take away message; God is always watching and helping. We should know God is always with us.
We never know how Jesus knows all He knows but certainly in this case we can conclude Jesus through God was omnipresent. The take away message; God is always watching and helping. Click To TweetAre you aware of God’s presence in your life? Where do you want God when you need Him?
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