Thursday, January 18, 2024  

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Scripture Reading
John 1:43–51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael asked him, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” (NRSV)

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Reflection

The day before the events described in this passage, Jesus called Andrew and his brother Simon Peter to become disciples. This day both Philip and Nathanael agree to join up. The group of disciples is growing, in each case by Jesus calling on one person, who goes to find a brother or friend to join him in following this new rabbi, who John the Baptist has told them is the Messiah they have been waiting for. This history is interesting, but what meaning does it have for us?

These disciples were all just ordinary people. They were not powerful in the politics or culture of their day. Like all people of the Jewish tradition, they were watching for the arrival of the Messiah. When Jesus called these disciples, they recognized that he was the one they were waiting for. And they stepped out in faith to follow him.

How did they know? Jesus says of Nathanael that he was truly an Israelite with no deceit. The authorities do not seem in agreement about what Jesus meant by this, but I think it means someone whose heart is ready to hear the call of God. When Jesus called, Nathanael was ready to hear him. They all were. With these people, Jesus would build his ministry.

This willingness to step out in faith and change their lives was what set these individuals apart. And it is what formed the foundation of the beliefs we still hold today. Thank God for these disciples, who stepped out in faith to follow the Messiah and lay the groundwork for us.

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Prayer
Dear God, may we be people of faith who are willing to follow your call. Help us to recognize your call, and make us the instruments of your work in the world. Thank you for your steadfast faithfulness and guidance. Amen.

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Written by Juli Crabtree, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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