Thursday, August 7, 2014

Thursday August 7, 2014

 John 1:43-51

Today’s reading from the Gospel of John tells of the’ beginning time of Jesus' public ministry, and his preparation for that ministry as he called those who would come to be known as his disciples – his friends and followers.  He has been baptized by John, has spent some solo time in the desert, and now has returned to the region of the Galilee. 

This passage focuses on two of the disciples he invites, Philip and Nathanael.  Philip happens to live in Bethsaida, the same town as Andrew and Peter.  When Jesus called Andrew to come and follow, Andrew went and shared the exciting invitation with his brother Peter.  We don’t know the relationship between Philip and Nathanael, but I think its reasonable to assume that they knew each other, and their relationship was important enough that Philip wanted to share the same exciting news with Nathanael as Andrew had with Peter.

Nathanael’s response shows that he wasn’t as easy a mark as Peter had been.  A chiding remark about those who came from Nazareth, and a skeptical first encounter with Jesus might underline this.  But, for me, the important character here is Philip, for it was Philip who proffered the invitation, even after all Nathanael’s smart-aleck comments, “Come and see.” Simple words, not involving coaxing, or apologetic language, but rather a straightforward, if not enticing, “Come and see” was what Philip said. 

How easy is it for us to say these words, “Come and see” with respect to our church, our parish, our Christian beliefs and practices?  What would you want to be sure of before you invited someone to join you in worship?  Who might be the first person you thought to invite?  What could others do to help you in this perhaps uncomfortable gesture? 

Come and see!

- Rev'd Paul Kett