Post by Admin on Mar 21, 2019 6:42:45 GMT
Nathanael, the subject of tonight’s discussion, was “seen” by Jesus under a fig tree. The seeing was more likely a spiritual X-ray than use of eyes to spy on him under a tree somewhere. However, John’s fig tree detail may have been an illusion to Old Testament references that sitting under the fig tree is a symbol of living in an obedient relationship with God. To open the evening, we talked about where we find a quiet place to study or pray, and if we have a special place, and how we best connect to God. The electric charge of that connection – difficult to describe in words yet understood because we have all experienced it – was a key thought tonight, since both Philip and Nathanael seemed to instantly become disciples. We thought that this connection was the validation they must have felt when they recognized Jesus as the Son of God.
Tonight’s passage begins with Jesus’ invitation to Philip, “follow Me,” which immediately prompted Philip to want to share the invitation with others. Philip went to Nathanael, who promptly denigrated Philip’s enthusiasm, then shortly after was converted to a disciple himself with only a few words. We considered Philip’s perspective: he may have been a witness to Jesus’ baptism, and thus primed to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. He also seemed undaunted by his friend’s negative response, because he plowed ahead and told Nathanael to come and see for himself. If only we could be as willing to share the invitation, and as undiscouraged when our invitation is not accepted immediately. Based on Jesus’ assessment of Nathanael, an Israelite with no deceit, we could conclude that Nathanael was knowledgeable about scripture and likely had well-founded expectations about the Messiah. He was willing to forego his expectation of where the King of Israel should be from upon realizing who Jesus was.
The story opened discussion avenues on what kind of prejudices today are still obstacles for people to believe in Jesus. Technological and scientific advances are obstacles that encourage arrogance and disparage faith. Our sense of success coming from our own hard work alone, and not blessing, is another hindrance. Thinking of both Philip’s and Nathanael rapid acceptance of Jesus, we also talked about what convinced each of us to believe in Jesus and be a follower. As followers, our relationship and understanding has and continues to evolve – just as the twelve disciples grew in their understanding of the Messiah and His kingdom.
Tonight’s passage begins with Jesus’ invitation to Philip, “follow Me,” which immediately prompted Philip to want to share the invitation with others. Philip went to Nathanael, who promptly denigrated Philip’s enthusiasm, then shortly after was converted to a disciple himself with only a few words. We considered Philip’s perspective: he may have been a witness to Jesus’ baptism, and thus primed to believe that Jesus was the Messiah. He also seemed undaunted by his friend’s negative response, because he plowed ahead and told Nathanael to come and see for himself. If only we could be as willing to share the invitation, and as undiscouraged when our invitation is not accepted immediately. Based on Jesus’ assessment of Nathanael, an Israelite with no deceit, we could conclude that Nathanael was knowledgeable about scripture and likely had well-founded expectations about the Messiah. He was willing to forego his expectation of where the King of Israel should be from upon realizing who Jesus was.
The story opened discussion avenues on what kind of prejudices today are still obstacles for people to believe in Jesus. Technological and scientific advances are obstacles that encourage arrogance and disparage faith. Our sense of success coming from our own hard work alone, and not blessing, is another hindrance. Thinking of both Philip’s and Nathanael rapid acceptance of Jesus, we also talked about what convinced each of us to believe in Jesus and be a follower. As followers, our relationship and understanding has and continues to evolve – just as the twelve disciples grew in their understanding of the Messiah and His kingdom.