Returning to the study of the Gospel of John, we pick up at verse 43 of Chapter One. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, the Apostle writes:
“The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ Philip, like Andrew and Peter was from the town of Bethsaida. Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ ‘Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?’ Nathanael asked. ‘Come and see,’ said Philip. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said to him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ ‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.’ Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, You are the Son of God, You are the King of Israel.’ Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.’ He then added, ‘Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'” (John 1:43-51)
I find it interesting that Jesus went to find Philip, and said to him “Follow Me.” Some of the others took those they loved to Jesus saying, “Come and see.” He of course knew the heart of Philip, and knew that he was ready to follow Him. While Philip did not become a part of the ‘inner circle’, he was the first to preach the Gospel outside of Jerusalem. Jesus ‘called’ Philip to follow Him for what he would become, and for what he would bring to the kingdom on earth. So it is for each of us. He calls out to us saying, “Follow Me.” “I have work for you to do here, and a home in heaven waiting for you when this life is done.” He has given each of us talents and gifts to use – He calls us to use them for Him. It may be to preach, or teach, or work with young people, or old people, or the marginal, or feed the poor, or build churches, or a small group, or one or more of the many other things He may have in mind for us.
Nathanael asked Jesus, ‘How do you know me?’ He knows us because He is God. He knows us because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him. (Psalm 139:13,14) He knows our every thought. He hears our every word. He knows our every desire. He knows our every need. He understands us, and He loves us, and He wants us to know Him. He wants us to be in fellowship with Him through His grace and unconditional love for us. He calls us to tell the world how much He loves every person here on earth, has provided for our salvation, and ultimately wants us to ‘Follow Him home’.
Have a wonderful day, God’s Beloveds. May you be blessed in every way as you “Follow Him”.
Poppa B.