Come and See – John 1:46

Have you met someone who seems skeptical about your faith in Jesus? What emotions do you feel when someone questions your faith?

In John 1 we find a dialogue between a believer and a skeptic. Jesus began his ministry in Galilee and gave Philip the command to “follow me” (John 1:43). Philip was so excited to see Jesus he tracked down his friend Nathanael to share the news. Philip told Nathanael that the Messiah that Moses and the prophets wrote about was finally in Jerusalem.

Nathanael responded to Philip’s excitement with a phrase that has become popular over the years: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). This statement either shows us that Nazareth did not have the best reputation in Galilee or Nathanael was unsure that the Messiah would come from such a place. Whatever the reason, Nathanael seemed unimpressed and unconvinced that the Messiah had come.

What was Philip’s response to a statement of unbelief? Did Philip run to defend Jesus? Did Philip argue with Nathanael in an attempt to prove him wrong? No. Instead of arguing, Philip offered Nathanael a simple invitation, “come and see” (John 1:46). Nathanael agreed to meet Jesus and quickly found out that Jesus was the Messiah. Jesus told Nathanael that he was a true Israelites and where he was located before Philip talked with him (John 1:46,48) Nathanael was amazed and responded by saying, “How do you know me?” (John 1:47).

Come and See

It is important for us to remember that when we enter into a conversation with someone who is skeptical about Jesus we should offer an invitation for that person to experience Jesus first hand.

How can they experience Jesus? Invite them to pray to God for a few days, to read their Bible, meet you weekly for spiritual conversations, or to attend church with you.

The point isn’t a win an argument to prove that Jesus is real, our aim should be to help people see that Jesus knows them, loves them, and is inviting them to follow Him.

• Arguments drive people away from Jesus.
• Invitations draw people closer to Jesus.
• Arguments rarely change someone’s mind.
• Invitations can change someone’s soul.

Nothing is as powerful in a person’s life as meeting with Jesus. Extending an invitation for someone to meet Jesus could change their eternity.

Live It:

• Who is skeptical about Jesus? Who needs to meet Jesus?
• How can you invite that person to “come and see” Jesus this week?
• Are you praying for that person?

Christ Chronological: John 1:35-51

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