- The Explore the Bible lesson for Dec.11 focuses on John 1:40-51.
The Gospel of John moves from a prologue picturing Jesus as the eternal Word made flesh (1:1-18) to the ministry of John the Baptist (1:19-34). The Baptist, as no surprise to the reader, deflects any notion that he is the messiah. Instead, he references Isaiah 40:3 (1:23) and points to another who will come after him, “the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie (1: 27).”
Upon seeing Jesus, the Baptist declares him to be the “lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (1:29).” The story moves to the calling of Jesus’ first disciples (1:37-51). While most of Jesus’ ministry will occur in Galilee, these first disciples are called by Jesus as an outworking of the Baptist’s own ministry in Judea. The first two are not identified (more than likely John and James). Andrew finds Simon, who after following Jesus is given the name of Peter.
Jesus’ ministry moves to Galilee and with it the calling of the next two disciples. The first to hear and follow Jesus in Galilee is Philip. Philip, in turn, becomes the instrument for Nathanael’s addition to this early group of disciples. Philip serves John’s readers as a model for bringing another to Jesus. What is to be learned from Philip?
Philip followed Jesus
First, Philip followed Jesus. The fact that Philip followed Jesus and truly believed Jesus was the one, “of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote” (1:45), is not to be overlooked. Philip’s later presentation to Nathanael of Jesus is portrayed in John as more than a sale’s pitch by a disinterested salesman. Instead, John notes the eventual bringing of Nathanael to Jesus first begins with Philip’s own realization of who Jesus is and the decision to follow for himself.
Philip found Nathanael
Second, Philip found Nathanael. This is not the first occurrence of someone coming to Jesus due to the invitation of another, as previously seen in Andrew bringing his own bother Simon (1:40-41) to discover who Jesus is. However, Philip’s invitation reaches beyond the familial tie that defines Andrew’s search for Simon. Philip looks for a friend. John is not concerned with where Philip found Nathanael. What is important to John is the intentionality of Philip’s actions. His “finding Nathanael” is not an accident.
Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus
Third, Philip informs Nathanael that Jesus is the one for whom they have been waiting and longing. Note the clarity and simplicity in the statement made by Philip in presenting the news about Jesus. Jesus is presented to Nathanael: (1) as the fulfillment of Scripture and (2) from the perspective of Philip’s own personal experience. Both serve as a model for John’s readers. Both the objectivity of who Jesus is and the subjectivity of Philip’s own faith in Jesus offer a balanced approach.
Nathanael’s initial response is one of disbelief. Using humor, Nathanael makes the pointed statement, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Such a remark highlights both the insignificance of Nazareth in the first-century Galilean landscape and the refusal of Nathanael to believe Jesus could be the Messiah.
Philip responds with ‘Come and See’
Fourth, when he receives resistance from Nathanael, Philip responds with the words,
“Come and see.” Worth noting is how Philip did not respond: (1) with anger or judgment, (2) with a “bait and switch” suggestion, (3) with a well-thought-out rebuttal to the Nazareth comment or even (4) surrender to Nathanael’s initial resistance. Philip’s words cut through the distraction of lesser talking points to the simple low-risk invitation.
Philip relied on his faith in who he believed Jesus to be to win the day. This response eventually leads Nathanael to experience Jesus for himself. Philip believed Jesus was the Messiah and Nathanael would believe it, too, if only he could meet Jesus for himself. A simple invitation to “come and see” proves enough for Nathanael. Philip simply operated as the vehicle of investment and straightforward invitation.
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Nathanael experiences Jesus for himself
When Nathanael did in fact “come and see” Jesus, he was not disappointed. In fact, he was left in awe of Jesus’ supernatural ability. Nathanael came to “see” Jesus and discovers all along Jesus could “see” him. John suggests Jesus sees both his character (1:47) and detailed situation (1:48). His conclusion about Jesus is to make a confession of his own with the words, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel (1:49).”
Philip’s decision, insistence to share his revelation with Nathanael, a clear presentation of Jesus, and simple invitation resulted in Nathanael being added to the 12 disciples who would follow Jesus throughout his ministry. The power of one who found a friend and beckoned him to “come and see” proved a model worth imitating for John’s readers.
Matt Baird is assistant professor of Christian ministry and director of the graduate program in the School of Christian Studies at East Texas Baptist University.
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