Philip has heard Jesus’ call to “follow me” and witnesses to Nathanael. Philip does not find Nathanael’s dismissive com-ment about Nazareth off-putting. Instead, he invites Nathanael to “come and see.” Philip turns a potential personal “upset” to a “set up.” Jesus takes over and addresses Nathanael, which may have been the biggest surprise of Nathanael’s life. Jesus already knows Nathanael, and that makes all the difference.
What does it feel like to be recognized—sought out and fully seen by God who knows our needs—at the very moment we feel inclined to go another direction? Jesus’ knowledge of Nathanael shocks him. He realizes that being known by Jesus is both undeserved and unmerited. He feels compelled to testify, “You are the Son of God!” His profession of faith is more extensive than Philip’s witness to him.
Imagine what happens to us when Jesus calls us to follow him. He knows us and the secrets of our hearts. He knows our weaknesses, inadequacies, and doubts. Yet he invites us into an intimate relationship with God by becoming his disciples.
John’s Gospel emphasizes the decision of accepting or rejecting Jesus. Nathanael, an Israelite without deceit, chooses to accept Jesus and receives his promise of seeing “greater things than these” and “heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”
Jesus calls us to follow, and we decide. Following him
requires a daily commitment; our obedience brings transfor-
mation. We follow with our hearts and our lives, settling only for God’s fullness of life.