Niagara Falls, the Northern Lights, the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; witnessing these in person far exceeds seeing them in pictures. There are some things that you have to come and see for yourself.
In John 1, John the Baptist has been preparing the way for Jesus. One day, Jesus passes by him and his disciples, and John says, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:26). These happened the next day as well, and two of John’s disciples, one of whom was Andrew (v.40), followed Jesus, desiring to learn more about Him. They asked, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” (v.38). Jesus, then extended the invitation, “Come and you will see” (v.39). Jesus, of course, intended to show them more than his room at the local Days Inn. After spending the entire day with Jesus, Andrew went to his brother, Simon Peter, and said “We have found he Messiah” (v. 41). It only took spending some time with Jesus for Andrew to realize that this man, Jesus, was more than a teacher. This was the Christ! This enlightening began with an invitation to come and see. Andrew, having experienced the Lord for himself, then extends the invitation to his brother. Andrew followed and then brought someone to the Messiah.
Next, we see Philip tell Nathanael, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (v.45). This title “Jesus of Nazareth” did not carry the same connotation that it does today. To Nathanael, this was nothing more than saying, “He’s here…Bob from Otisville!” And, so, Nathanael responds, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (v.45). Nazareth was a small village at the time, only a few hundred people lived there. Nathanael’s hesitation stems from his preconceived idea that the Messiah should come from somewhere much greater.
Philip could have responded with doubt. He could have responded by debating Nathanael. He could have responded with an attack on Nathanael’s attitude and character. Instead, he responds with a persistent invitation: “Come and See” (v.46). Nathanael then goes to Jesus and experiences for himself that this Jesus of Nazareth is truly the Son of God. His life was forever changed because Philip did not let Nathanael’s hesitation stop him.
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How can you show Christ to others? You can show Christ by showing what he has done for you and in your life. You can show Christ by showing the church to others (“Come to church this Sunday and see what the body of Christ looks like”). You can show Christ by opening God’s Word and allowing others to see the word point to the Messiah.
Find your “Come and See” moment. Extend the invitation. When met with hesitation, persist. “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” “Come and see.”
Jared McLeod
