the friendship gospel

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Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." [John 1:45-49 ESV]

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As I read this passage I am caught up in the excitement of the experience.
Jesus is a virtual unknown and people are bringing their friends to meet him.
And when these men meet him for the first time they are challenged.

These did not think that the Messiah would appear first to them.
Philip was probably invited by hometown friends.
He is so excited he invites another friend to meet Jesus.

Excitement is in the air.
The Christ has come to earth and is befriending ordinary people.
No one expected him to come in this way.

This is the gospel story.
Friends bringing their friends to Jesus.
I am so thankful that in my life friends brought me to Him.

Yet this is merely the first step.
Once Nathanael is in Christ's presence everything changes as the Lord speaks to him.
It amazes me how Nathanael's attitude changes after Jesus speaks prophetically to him.

Yet it does not really amaze me.
I can relate to having my heart laid open that first time I prayed.
Like him, meeting Jesus changed my life and brought greater things into my life.

Thank you Lord for bringing challenge and change into my life.

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... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.