Read John 1:43-46

“Come And See”

Philip is another apostle, like Andrew, of whom we know very little. Matthew, Mark, and Luke simply include him in the list of the apostles with no further information. Only John gives us additional details about this man.

From John’s gospel, we learn that Philip was from Bethsaida, the same city Peter and Andrew called home (John 1:44). Philip is involved in other events later in the book, but let’s focus today on what Philip did here in this short passage.

Jesus said to Philip, “Follow Me” (John 1:43). We see no hesitation from this disciple; in fact, much like Andrew, we see an eagerness from Philip to get others on board. The very first thing he did was find Nathanael, and he said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45).

Philip was familiar with both Moses’ writings and the prophecies concerning the Messiah. No doubt he had heard the rumors of this man from Nazareth, and when he encountered Him, he took hold of the opportunity to follow the Christ. Yet, Philip was not selfish with this information. He wanted others to join him in this journey of discipleship.

His friend Nathanael was not impressed. “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). What was Philip’s response? He did not try to convince Nathanael that Nazareth could produce good things. He did not berate his friend for being prejudiced. He did not even try to convince him that Jesus was who he claimed, or who John preached. He wanted Nathanael to discover for himself Jesus’ identity. Philip said, “Come and see” (John 1:46).

Christianity is a personal religion. Jews are born Jews, but Christians are born again by choice. It involves personal investigation into the facts, personal faith in the promises of God, personal commitment to the cause. No one can be a Christian for you. You stand or fall on your own choices, and it all starts with the invitation to “come and see.”

Have you investigated the claims of Jesus? If not, take Philip’s challenge, and “come and see.”