John 1:46 – Come and See

“Nazareth! Can anything good come from there? Nathaniel asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip.” –  John 1:46

“Come and see,” what a simple and wise invitation from one person who knows Christ, to another person who does not. Philip did not try to persuade Nathaniel that the Messiah had come. He simply invited Nathaniel to “Come and see.” This is the invitation that we should be extending to the world, to the lost, and to the brother or sister who has doubts, worry, fear, or misunderstanding. Come and see—experience Him for yourself.

When Nathaniel is introduced to Jesus for the first time he is overwhelmed. He declares Jesus to be “the Son of God,” and the “king of Israel,” (John 1:49). And seeing Nathaniel’s faith Jesus tells him, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that,” (John 1:50). When we respond as Nathaniel did, we are not disappointed. That is what Jesus wants from us, that we acknowledge Him as God and submit to His authority as King.

For it is God who has “set eternity in the human heart,” (Ecc. 3:11). It is God who calls us to Himself (Matt. 22:14). It is God who reveals Himself to mankind (Rom. 1:18-23). Our job is simply to invite others to “come and see,” both with our words and through the lives we live. Observing our hope, our happiness, our relief, and our contentment in resting in the will of our Savior should be an invitation to others. We do not and cannot save anyone. It is God who works, but let our lives be part of His work.

So, Come and See—experience the comfort He has for you, the hope, the rest, the joy. Come and see—feel the weight of guilt and condemnation lifted. Come and see—rest in the fact that you cannot earn your salvation and He does not ask you to. And let our lives help to water the seed that God has already sown in the hearts of others.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for making yourself known to us. That when we come to you in humble repentance and submission You meet us with your comfort and your hope. Help us not to overcomplicate things. Help us to come to You and lead others to You.