If John and Andrew had an unbelieving spirit like the priests and rulers, they wouldn’t have come to Jesus as learners, but to criticize and judge His words. To them Jesus’ words were full of fresh, beautiful truth, giving new light to the Scriptures.
Andrew joyfully went in search of his brother, Simon, exclaiming, “We’ve found the Messiah!” Simon wasted no time but hastened to see for himself.
Jesus read Simon’s character—impulsive, loving, ambitious, self-confident, and remarked, “You are Simon, the son of Jonah. You shall be called Pebble (translated means Peter). (John 1:40-42)
The next day Jesus found Philip and said, “Follow Me.” Philip obeyed and staightaway hunted for Nathaniel, who was in a quiet place thinking about John the Baptist’s announcement of the Messiah, searching the prophecies, and praying that if the Messiah was here he would be shown.
Philip’s message, “We have found He of whom the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth,” seemed an answer to his prayer. But prejudice rose in his heart, and he exclaimed, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip didn’t argue, he just invited, “Come and see!.”
Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to Him and said, “Behold a faithful son of Israel with a pure heart.”
“How do you know me?” Nathaniel inquired.
“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree,” Jesus replied.
Amazed, Nathaniel cried, ”Teacher, You are the Son of God, the King of Israel!”
If Nathaniel had trusted in the rabbis for guidance, he would never have found Jesus. So with us, like Nathaniel we need to study God’s Word for ourselves. He who saw Nathaniel will see us too in the secret place of prayer and will come to meet us there. Don’t take another’s word, study for yourself.
If you have a question for Bible Mentor Marie Odell you can contact her by emailing: marieodell04@gmail.com
Marie Odell is a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.
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