In John 1, as Philip brings Nathanael (after a little coaxing) to Jesus, we find that, like in Simon’s case (see John 1:42), Jesus already knows who Nathanael is. Jesus offers a compliment to Nathanael, which is different from the one He gave Peter, but still kind of a prophecy, I think.
When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”
Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”
John 1:47-51 NIV
https://bible.com/bible/111/jhn.1.47-51.NIV
Nathanael, who appears to already be skeptical, pushes back after Jesus’ compliment to him. I can imagine him thinking, “Who is this guy? Did Philip tell him about me? Is he just trying to butter me up?” So, Nathanael asks a reasonable question, “How do you know me?” (see verse 48). Jesus answers with an answer that would require special insight to know. Apparently, per commentary in the Lookout (cited below), a fig tree had branches that came down to the ground, so spotting Nathanael underneath one would be a challenge by human standards.
When Nathanael realizes what Jesus knew about him, he accepts the truth of what Philip had told him: that Jesus was the promised Messiah sent by God the Father.
Jesus, though, tells Nathanael that there are much greater things in store for him to see, and not just for Nathanael, but – as the plural “you” suggests – for more than just him, too. I’m not exactly sure what event this prophecy looks forward to, but perhaps it was when Jesus returned to Heaven after His resurrection, or (as suggested by commentators Bryant & Krause, cited below) Jesus’ second coming.
In the context of passages from John 1 that have been discussed in the past few articles, like Andrew and Philip, let’s bring people to Jesus. It’s not rocket science or brain surgery. People are lost and hurting, and their only hope – whether they know it yet or not – is Jesus Christ. For other people who need Jesus (which includes each of us), we don’t need to connect them with a pastor or teacher or a devotional book or even a specific church. While all of those can lead someone to a positive outcome, the ultimate goal is to introduce people to Jesus. Everything else in the Christian walk flows from Him.
This introduction to Jesus might be telling others about who Jesus is, what He means to us, and how much He loves them. Our testimony about our own relationship with Jesus, along with the signs and wonders He has done in our lives, can be worth more than the greatest academic and intellectual arguments for the truth of Jesus’ life, ministry, and teaching.
Introducing people to Jesus can also include bringing people to church, where they can hear about Him. It might also involve bringing them to other events where they could hear about Jesus, or – in today’s era – suggesting an online article, podcast, video, or web site.
I encourage you to not merely invite people, though: That’s an important step, of course, but don’t stop there. For instance, you could offer to drive them (or arrange for a ride), let them know where they can meet you, and stick with them during the service or event. You might follow up with them (maybe via text) before the arranged time, to let them know that you’re excited to join them, and to assure them that you’ll help explain things that might not be clear or could feel awkward to a first-time guest. And, you can even spend some time with them afterwards (whether on the drive home, or maybe inviting them for a meal or a snack), giving them a chance to ask questions (without judgment) and talk about what they saw, heard, and thought.
Don’t worry too much about the “how” of introducing people to Jesus. There are many ways to do so, and God may direct you to a path that is unique in His plan. Instead, focus on the “what” – the goal of bringing people to Jesus – so that they can get to know Him and decide for themselves what their relationship with Him will be.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for February 4, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, February 4, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – John, by Beauford H. Bryant and Mark S. Krause. © 1998 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 