As we continued to explore the gospel of John this week, the group found it interesting that John the Baptist directs his disciples to Jesus. This picks up the earlier theme that John is not the Messiah. Anyone who says differently is not speaking for John. John may have been surprised that Jesus was the promised one, but he had no doubts.
The group wondered why Nathanael recognized Jesus as the Son of God from the very beginning. This seems surprising in light of the other gospels. This serves the gospel writer's purpose, but may not reflect what actually happened. Certainly there is more going on in this encounter between Nathanael and Jesus than meets the eye. Jesus was able to see into the very heart of Nathanael. Jesus saw him under the fig tree, but something more was taking place. Nathanael would have been studying the law under that fig tree and studying the law was his true pleasure and joy. Jesus recognized that passion in Nathanael. It was that passion that Jesus saw and the reason that Nathanael marveled at Jesus. Jesus could read Nathanael like a book. Jesus would also recognize Simon as his rock (Cephas in aramaic or Peter in Greek). Jesus' ability to see into the hearts of others was a gift we see again and again in scripture. This ability also speaks to our own journey of faith. Jesus is able to see into our hearts. He knows the truth about us, even the truths we try to keep secret. That is why the love of God is so powerful. God's love is given even though God knows the truth about us.
John gives Andrew a role to play. Andrew is Peter's brother and is always second fiddle. However, in John, Andrew is always bringing people to Jesus. In this passage, Andrew brings Peter to Jesus. In many ways, that is our role. We are to bring others to Jesus. We do not make faith happen. By invitation, we help to create moments where the gift of faith is given. Andrew provides such an invitation to his brother Peter.
Finally, Jesus turns to address the first two disciples to follow him. One of those disciples was Andrew. At the beginning, they were only following at a distance. Jesus is the one who turns and asks, "What do you seek?" The question is a powerful one. What do we seek from Jesus? Jesus' turning also has him meets us where we are rather than waiting for us to come to him. That is the movement of God's grace. God's grace is always coming to us. God's grace is always meeting us where we are. That is the power and wonder of God's love.
Join us next week for the Book of Faith. We meet every Wednesday at noon at the Christian Education Building. You may also join us on this blog. Keep exploring!
Peace,
Pastor Summer
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