Come and See Jesus
As your read the Gospels, you will see that there was a strong interest in the coming of the promised Messiah. A big reason for that curiosity regarding the long-awaited Messiah was because the prophet Daniel had given strong predictions about when the Messiah would appear. Another reason was because of the difficult times that the average person faced in the first century. People were hungry for hope and help. God’s help was on the way, and it was in the person of Jesus.
One of the early followers of Jesus was a man named Philip. As Jesus spoke and taught the people in the area of Galilee, Philip heard Jesus' messages. The Gospel of John, in chapter 1, records Jesus calling Philip to be one of His disciples. After Jesus’ invitation, Philip recruits Nathanael to follow Jesus as well. Very little is said about Philip in the Gospels, but one of those rare references shares how Philip was involved in introducing some Greek individuals to Jesus (John 12). While Greeks and Hebrews (Gentiles and Jews) rarely had dealings, it seems that Philip had contact with these men. Perhaps Philip knew these men from the area where he was raised.
The popularity of Jesus and the remarkable rise of Christianity was due in large part to the hope that Jesus gave people. The initial message of Jesus, and the corresponding testimony of the Christian Gospel, resonated with those who heard it. The Gospel is a positive, hope bringing, light bearing alternative to the difficulties of life. Daily life has always been transitory. Our lives are just part of a bigger story. What Jesus and the Church taught was that we must orient and place our lives in the bigger picture, the cosmic story, the drama of eternity. This undoubtedly caught Philip’s attention. No one spoke like Jesus did.
When Philip invited Nathanael to come see Jesus, Nathanael was skeptical regarding Jesus. When Philip said that Jesus was from Nazareth, Nathanael scoffed. He pointed out that such a place was the “wrong side of the tracks.” Philip did not debate the issue, he simply said, “Come and see.” It is this “coming and seeing” Jesus that makes all the difference. The message of Christianity is wildly different from other religions in our world. For example, other religions speak of the uncertain possibility of a better hereafter. With “manmade religions” the only hope for a better afterlife is based on one’s performance. In other words, you need to do lots of good deeds. If the good outweighs the bad, perhaps we might get a sniff of Heaven. The Christian hope exceeds such quivering, wishful thinking in every way. The Good News of Christianity is that even the hardest circumstances in life are nothing compared to God’s grace, mercy and guidance. At every turn, God is looking out for us. As we faithfully follow Jesus, we are wise to remember that God is providentially providing help, care and guidance.
In a couple of months, Christendom will celebrate Easter. Christians will remember the death of Jesus. While we celebrate this event, it initially was a horrific experience for Philip and the other followers of Jesus. Jesus, their master and teacher, was unexpectedly executed right before their eyes. Though Jesus predicted his death, Philip and the others did not understand. His warnings sounded like babble and nonsense to the disciples. It was the resurrection (also predicted by Jesus) that opened their eyes. Understand that the resurrection is not some magic trick, but an invasion by God. Rising from the dead is not part of the natural order of this world. While Jesus appeared to be defeated by his enemies, He was more than they gave Him credit for. Death could not defeat the Creator of the universe. Whereas flesh is weak, Jesus was more than flesh and blood. He was the incarnate God.
The resurrection of Jesus was not just an event, it was God’s promise of greater things to come. The omnipotent power of God that raised Jesus from the dead has been and is at work in saving lost souls. God’s resurrection power also promises a new creation where we will have bodies that will not die and a world that will not see corruption. When Jesus paid the debt of sin on the cross, the veil in the temple was ripped from top to bottom. This was symbolism that showed us that we have access to God! Philip would spend his life talking about and broadcasting this good news. There are many stories that have been written about where and what Philip did in the name of Jesus. What will be told about you and I? Where will we go? What will we devote our lives and passions to? Dare to use this New Year and live for Jesus. Keep looking up!