Day 5

“When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false.”   — JOHN 1:47  

When Philip told Nathanael he had found the Messiah – “Jesus of Nazareth”, Nathanael exclaimed, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46) Nazareth was apparently known for its vagrants and outcasts who could not establish themselves elsewhere. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said of him, “Here is a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false.” The King James Version says, “in whom there is no guile.”

This was an honest man who said exactly what he was thinking and could be trusted. “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael must have been stunned. “Rabbi,” he declared. “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Knowing the true nature of Nathanael’s heart, Jesus said to him, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” Jesus then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:50-51). 

Jesus’ response to Nathanael shows our hearts must be open and honest, especially about ourselves, if we are to come into a wholesome relationship with God. To paraphrase what Jesus said, “Nathanael, you are going to see more than the King of Israel. You are going to see the link between heaven and earth, the bond between God and humanity because of your experience of Me.” God is always looking for people whose hearts are genuine and open to Him, so that He may show Himself strong in them and prepare them to be true witnesses for Him.

Witnessing for Christ derives from an ever deepening relationship with Him. Though we don’t have a physical Jesus to bring people to, we have the Holy Spirit whose task is to reveal Him. What we need to do is keep alert to opportunities God gives us: the neighbour who is sick, a troubled nephew, that late night call from a friend or the weary old man beside us on the bus. It isn’t random. God will put you in the right place at the right time with the right person into whom we may plant the seed that will lead them to Christ. And with that person’s heart like that of Nathanael’s, the Holy Spirit will do the rest.

PRAYER: Dear God, May I always be open and honest before You. Keep me alert to every opportunity You give me to lead others to Christ. There is no greater privilege for me than to see You at work in other people.

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I observant, noticing those around me who may be receptive to Christ?