Read John 1:47-51

No Deceit

Nathanael accepted Philip’s invitation to “come and see” (John 1:46) the man he claimed was the Man “of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote” (John 1:45). Nathanael had doubts though, asking rhetorically, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46).

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” (John 1:47). Nathanael was in fact an Israelite, a fleshly descendant of Abraham, but there was more behind Jesus’ words than describing the man’s race. The Lord looked forward to spiritual Israel here—men who were of such a mind that they would accept the truth of God when it was presented, even if it went against everything they expected.

Nathanael had already expressed doubt that someone from Nazareth could possibly be important in God’s plan, and certainly not important enough to be the promised Messiah. And yet he possessed a certain quality that would not allow him to deny the truth when he learned it. He was spiritually minded, and there was “no deceit” in him.

Paul later included deceit in a list of things that are “not fitting” of one created by God, sandwiched between “strife” and “evil-mindedness” (Romans 1:28-32). Peter likewise commanded that Christians who desire to grow must lay aside “all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking” (1 Peter 2:1-3).

And here is Nathanael, a man “in whom is no deceit!” It is a high compliment to be paid by the Savior, but one that caused further questioning. “How do you know me?” (John 1:49). Nathanael was humble enough to know that a stranger could not possibly identify a character trait such as this so quickly, but the Lord’s answer put him at ease and helped him to realize that he was talking to the “Son of God,” “the King of Israel” (John 1:49).

When Jesus looks at you, can He call you “an Israelite indeed,” in the spiritual sense? Are you spiritually-minded, willing to accept God at His Word, to trust Him, and obey Him? Can He call you a person “in whom is no deceit”?

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.”

Read John 1:35-42

“He Brought Him To Jesus”

Some of the apostles play a major role in the gospel accounts. We are told a number of things about the “inner circle” apostles Peter, James, and John. We know the nefarious part that Judas Iscariot played. And yet there are other apostles of whom we know very little. One of those is Andrew, Peter’s brother.

We learn from the first chapter of John’s gospel that Andrew was one of John the Immerser’s disciples or learners. It is thought by many that the second, unnamed disciple is none other than the inspired penman of the gospel account himself, John.

After hearing John the Immerser praise Jesus as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29), Andrew and the other disciple leave their teacher and begin following the Messiah. They followed Him to where He was staying and remained with Him the rest of that day, no doubt learning many things from their new Rabbi or Teacher.

Andrew was very excited about what Jesus taught him and was eager to let others know about Him. The first person Andrew thought to tell was his brother, Simon Peter. “He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:41-42).

If you have read much of the gospel accounts and the book of Acts, you know the important role Peter played in the establishment of the Lord’s kingdom, His church. What if Andrew never thought to tell his brother about Jesus though?

Who have you brought to Jesus? You never know the impact someone else will have in the kingdom until they are invited to learn about the King of Kings. Do not think for a moment that your closest friends, your neighbors, perhaps even your own brother, cannot be used by God for His glory. As we learn more about Peter in the New Testament, we see that he is often brash and acts before he thinks. As his brother, Andrew knew well Peter’s attitude and personality. But that did not stop him from inviting his brother to meet the Messiah. “He brought him to Jesus.”

Reach out to someone today. Introduce them to the Christ. Bring them to Jesus.

Read John 3:22-36

Humility Leads To Obedient Faith

John’s disciples were concerned. They had heard what their teacher said about the Christ, but then Jesus arrived on the scene and started to become more popular than John. “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” (John 3:26). Many have attributed the reaction of John’s disciples to an attitude of jealousy.

John’s reaction was quite different, however. He never claimed to be the Christ; rather, he denied it when directly asked (John 3:27-28; 1:19-20). The departure of his students did not bother him; neither did the growing crowds that Jesus attracted. John recognized that it was all a part of God’s plan. “A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven” (John 3:27).

One of the greatest displays of humility in the Scriptures is found in John 3:30: “He must increase, but I must decrease.” We must take on this attitude in our lives. When we commit to God’s will, we should see an increase of Christ in our lives and a decrease of our own desires. The apostle Paul preached a presentation of our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” and that we should be “transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:1-2). At some point, we must realize that it is not about “me”; it is about Him!

It is about “the bridegroom’s voice” (John 3:29), not ours. It is about “His testimony” (John 3:32-33). “He who comes from above is above all; he who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all” (John 3:31). Jesus has the authority, but do we exalt Him as the one with authority in our lives?

Far too many pay lip service to God, saying they believe in the Son but denying that claim with their behavior. “He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him” (John 3:36). Compare that verse in other translations, and you will see that it is an obedient faith under consideration; the phrase “does not believe” (NKJV) is translated “does not obey” (ESV, NASB) or “obeyeth not” (ASV). Do you believe? Do you obey?