Come and See: The Power of Invitation

 

Summary

In today's exploration of John 1:45-51, we delve into the story of Philip and Nathanael, highlighting the profound simplicity and power of personal invitation in the journey of faith. Philip, having just begun his walk with Jesus, immediately reaches out to his friend Nathanael, inviting him to "come and see" Jesus. This narrative underscores a timeless truth: the most common way people come to faith is through the invitation of a friend or family member. This simple act of inviting others to explore faith can have eternal significance.

Nathanael's encounter with Jesus is particularly noteworthy. Jesus describes Nathanael as a "true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit," drawing a parallel to Jacob, who was transformed from a deceiver into Israel after his encounter with God. This transformation signifies the inward change that defines a true follower of God, emphasizing that what matters is not our outward identity but the condition of our heart. Nathanael's sincere pursuit of truth, despite his initial skepticism about Jesus' origins, exemplifies the kind of heart that God honors.

The sermon also addresses the challenges of misconceptions and misunderstandings that can arise from imperfect presentations of the gospel. Just as Philip's description of Jesus as "the son of Joseph" led to Nathanael's skepticism, so too can our own misunderstandings or miscommunications create barriers for others. Yet, the invitation remains: "Come and see." This call encourages us to look beyond human errors and seek the truth of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture.

As we take a fresh look at Jesus, we discover that He is the fulfillment of all Scripture, the one who knows us completely, and the one who opens the door to heaven. Jesus is the subject of the entire Bible, the one who fulfills the law and the prophets. He knows us intimately, as demonstrated by His knowledge of Nathanael's heart. And He promises greater revelations to those who follow Him, inviting us into a deeper understanding and experience of His presence and power.

Key Takeaways:

- The Power of Invitation: The story of Philip and Nathanael illustrates the profound impact of a simple invitation to explore faith. Inviting others to "come and see" Jesus can be a powerful catalyst for transformation, as it was for Nathanael. This reminds us that our role in God's work often begins with extending a heartfelt invitation. [00:59]

- True Transformation: Nathanael is described as a "true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit," highlighting the inward transformation that defines genuine faith. This transformation mirrors Jacob's journey from deceit to becoming Israel, emphasizing that true faith is marked by a sincere heart seeking after God. [05:29]

- Overcoming Misunderstandings: Just as Philip's imperfect testimony led to Nathanael's skepticism, we too may encounter misunderstandings in our faith journey. Yet, the call to "come and see" encourages us to look beyond human errors and seek the truth of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture. [19:33]

- Jesus Knows Us Completely: Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael's heart demonstrates His intimate understanding of each of us. This knowledge is a source of comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are fully known and loved by God, and that we can approach Him with confidence. [25:54]

- The Promise of Greater Things: Jesus promises Nathanael that he will see "greater things," inviting us into a journey of faith where we continually discover more of God's truth and presence. This principle encourages us to walk in the light we have, trusting that God will reveal more as we follow Him. [35:07]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:17] - Philip Finds Nathanael
- [00:40] - The Power of Invitation
- [01:20] - The First Disciples
- [02:15] - Nathanael's Character
- [03:25] - Jacob's Transformation
- [05:29] - True Israelite
- [06:24] - Paul's Insight on True Faith
- [07:44] - Inward vs. Outward Faith
- [09:15] - Nathanael's Honest Questions
- [11:23] - Misunderstandings in Faith
- [13:39] - Jesus of Nazareth
- [16:11] - Prejudices from Misunderstandings
- [19:33] - Invitation to "Come and See"
- [21:39] - Jesus: Subject of the Whole Bible
- [25:54] - Jesus Knows Us Completely
- [33:57] - Jesus Opens Heaven's Door
- [35:07] - Promise of Greater Things

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- John 1:45-51
- Genesis 32:24-28
- Romans 2:28-29

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Observation Questions:

1. What was Philip's initial approach to introducing Nathanael to Jesus, and how did Nathanael respond? [00:17]

2. How does Jesus describe Nathanael when He first sees him, and what does this reveal about Nathanael's character? [02:15]

3. What misunderstanding did Nathanael have about Jesus' origins, and how did Philip address it? [11:23]

4. What promise does Jesus make to Nathanael about what he will see in the future? [33:57]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Jacob's transformation relate to Nathanael being described as a "true Israelite"? What does this imply about the nature of true faith? [05:29]

2. In what ways can misunderstandings about Jesus or the gospel create barriers for people today, similar to Nathanael's initial skepticism? [16:11]

3. How does Jesus' intimate knowledge of Nathanael's heart demonstrate His divine nature, and what does this mean for believers today? [25:54]

4. What does Jesus' promise of "greater things" suggest about the journey of faith for His followers? [35:07]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when a simple invitation led to a significant change in your life. How can you extend a similar invitation to someone in your life this week? [00:59]

2. Nathanael was described as having no deceit. How can you cultivate a heart of sincerity and truth in your own spiritual journey? [09:15]

3. Have you ever encountered misunderstandings about Christianity that created barriers for you or others? How can you address these misconceptions in conversations with others? [19:33]

4. Jesus knows us completely. How does this knowledge impact your relationship with Him, and how can it encourage you to be more open in your prayers and interactions with God? [32:37]

5. Jesus promises that His followers will see "greater things." What steps can you take to deepen your faith and be open to the greater revelations God has for you? [35:07]

6. Identify one person in your life who might be skeptical about faith. How can you invite them to "come and see" Jesus in a way that is genuine and non-threatening? [19:57]

7. Consider the role of personal transformation in your faith journey. What areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to change, and how can you begin that process this week? [05:29]

Devotional

Day 1: The Transformative Power of Invitation
The story of Philip and Nathanael in John 1:45-51 highlights the profound impact of a simple invitation to explore faith. Philip, having just met Jesus, immediately reaches out to his friend Nathanael, inviting him to "come and see" Jesus. This act of invitation is a powerful catalyst for transformation, as it was for Nathanael. It reminds us that our role in God's work often begins with extending a heartfelt invitation to others. The simplicity of inviting someone to explore faith can have eternal significance, as it opens the door for them to encounter Jesus personally. [00:59]

John 1:45-46 (ESV): "Philip found Nathanael and 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.' Nathanael said to him, 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' Philip said to him, 'Come and see.'"

Reflection: Who in your life could you invite to "come and see" Jesus? How can you extend a simple invitation to explore faith with them today?


Day 2: True Transformation Comes from Within
Nathanael is described as a "true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit," highlighting the inward transformation that defines genuine faith. This transformation mirrors Jacob's journey from deceit to becoming Israel, emphasizing that true faith is marked by a sincere heart seeking after God. Nathanael's encounter with Jesus shows that what matters is not our outward identity but the condition of our heart. Despite his initial skepticism about Jesus' origins, Nathanael's sincere pursuit of truth exemplifies the kind of heart that God honors. [05:29]

Romans 2:28-29 (ESV): "For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God."

Reflection: In what ways can you focus on inward transformation rather than outward appearances in your faith journey today?


Day 3: Overcoming Misunderstandings in Faith
Just as Philip's imperfect testimony led to Nathanael's skepticism, we too may encounter misunderstandings in our faith journey. Miscommunications or misconceptions can create barriers for others, but the call to "come and see" encourages us to look beyond human errors and seek the truth of Jesus Christ as revealed in Scripture. This invitation challenges us to move past misunderstandings and focus on the core message of the gospel, trusting that God can work through our imperfections. [19:33]

1 Corinthians 13:12 (ESV): "For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."

Reflection: What misunderstandings or misconceptions about faith have you encountered? How can you seek the truth of Jesus beyond these barriers today?


Day 4: Jesus Knows Us Completely
Jesus' knowledge of Nathanael's heart demonstrates His intimate understanding of each of us. This knowledge is a source of comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are fully known and loved by God. Jesus' awareness of Nathanael's character before they even met shows that He knows us intimately and cares deeply for us. This understanding allows us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that we are accepted and valued by our Creator. [25:54]

Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV): "O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus understands you completely change the way you approach Him in prayer and daily life?


Day 5: The Promise of Greater Things
Jesus promises Nathanael that he will see "greater things," inviting us into a journey of faith where we continually discover more of God's truth and presence. This principle encourages us to walk in the light we have, trusting that God will reveal more as we follow Him. The promise of greater revelations is an invitation to deepen our relationship with Jesus and experience His power in new and profound ways. As we remain open to His leading, we can expect to see His work in our lives and the world around us. [35:07]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV): "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What "greater things" do you hope to see in your faith journey? How can you position yourself to receive more of God's truth and presence today?

Quotes


What we learned here is that the normal way by which people come to faith in Jesus Christ is by being invited by a friend or by a family member, and here is something very simple that every one of us here today can do: we can invite a friend to worship, we can invite someone to a Bible study. [00:46:38]

The great question before us is not what any of us are outwardly but what you are inwardly. Do you have a heart that truly seeks after God as this man Nathaniel very clearly did? Outwardly we are all very, very different. We are of different race, we are of different age, we are of different lifestyle. [07:56:30]

Nathaniel was sincere in his desire to find and to follow the truth, and notice Jesus does not say he's a man in whom there is no guilt. He doesn't say that. That's not true of anyone. But he does say he's a man in whom there is no deceit. [08:58:54]

God used the inadequate testimony of this man Philip to bring his friend to Jesus. You don't need to have an answer to every question. You do not need to have everything marvelously worked out in order to have an influence on another person when you yourself have genuinely found Jesus Christ. [12:40:79]

The mistakes of preachers often give rise to the prejudices of hearers. Think about that. The mistakes that are made by preachers often give rise to prejudices into many, many questions and sometimes needless questions that arise in the hearts of hearers. [15:21:09]

There are many people who have turned away from Christianity because of teaching that they may have heard which was accurate at one level in that it seemed to arise out of the Bible, but it was also rather like the testimony of Philip here, misleading in that it left them like Nathaniel with profound questions. [16:16:00]

Come and see. Come and take a look at Jesus Christ as he is in the scriptures for yourself. Don't let, please, whatever you do, don't let a garbled presentation of the Christian message put you off. It's too important for that. [20:16:38]

Jesus Christ is the subject of the whole Bible. I want you to see that. Notice verse 45: we have found him whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote. Do you know the whole Old Testament is a book of promises? Everything in the Old Testament points to something else. [21:29:09]

Jesus Christ knows you completely. Jesus had said about Nathanael that he was a person in whom there is no deceit. How did Jesus know that this was a man in whom there is no deceit? Well, that's obviously Nathaniel's question. He said to him, verse 48, how do you know me? [25:38:48]

The knowledge that Jesus Christ has of us is a very, very wonderful thing indeed, and many of us have experienced this in multiple ways. But particularly, God has remarkable ways of communicating through his world that he really does know everything about us. [28:31:43]

You shall see greater things than these. In other words, God will give you more light when you follow the lights that he has already given to you. That's the principle. That's what Nathaniel did, and Jesus system, you're gonna see greater things now. [35:07:24]

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in as much as you know him now, and you will come to know him more. If you demand to see to understand everything before you believe, you will never come to faith. It doesn't work that way. [35:44:54]

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Transcript
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