Seeking Jesus First Jan. 7, 2025
Come and See—Greater Things Ahead
“The following day Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow Me.’” (John 1:43–51, NKJV)
This passage brings the opening chapter of John to a powerful and hopeful close. What begins with a simple invitation—“Follow Me”—ends with a promise of “greater things.” In between, we see how faith is awakened, tested, and deepened through encounter with Jesus.
Jesus takes the initiative. He finds Philip and calls him personally. Discipleship always begins with Jesus’ invitation before it ever becomes our decision. Philip responds, and almost immediately he does what we have already seen others do—he brings someone else. Philip finds Nathanael and announces, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote.” This is a bold claim. Philip is saying that everything Scripture has been pointing toward has now come into focus in a Person.
Nathanael’s response is honest and very human: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” His skepticism is not malicious; it is shaped by expectation. Nazareth did not fit the profile of messianic greatness. Yet Philip does not argue or defend. He simply repeats the same invitation Jesus gave earlier in the chapter: “Come and see.” True witness does not force conclusions; it invites encounter.
When Nathanael approaches, Jesus speaks first—and what He says goes straight to the heart. “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit.” Jesus sees Nathanael fully and names what is true about him. Nathanael is startled. “How do You know me?” The answer reveals Jesus’ divine insight: “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Whatever Nathanael was doing under that fig tree—praying, meditating, wrestling with Scripture—it was private. No one else saw it. But Jesus did. This is the turning point. Nathanael realizes that he is not merely standing before a teacher, but before One who sees the unseen. Revelation produces faith, and Nathanael responds with a profound confession: “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Jesus receives Nathanael’s faith, but He also expands his vision. “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” Faith often begins with something personal, but it never ends there. Jesus promises more—greater revelation, deeper understanding, and a wider view of God’s work.
Jesus then declares, “Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” This echoes Jacob’s ladder in Genesis, where heaven and earth were connected. Jesus is now revealing Himself as that connection—the meeting place between God and humanity. He is not just the Messiah Israel hoped for; He is the Son of Man through whom heaven touches earth.
This passage brings together everything John 1 has been building toward. Jesus calls. People follow. Witness leads to invitation. Encounter leads to faith. And faith opens the door to greater things.
Today, hear the invitation again: “Come and see.” Bring your questions, your doubts, and your expectations. Jesus sees you—fully and personally. And as you follow Him, trust this promise: whatever you have already seen, there is more ahead.