Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” vs. 46
John 1:43-46
Nathanael was quick to dismiss the idea that Jesus was the messiah. For one thing he was from a town that had no standing in tradition. It wasn’t even mentioned in the scriptures. Nathanael wasn’t the only one to make such snap judgments. Most of us do the same sort of thing when introduced to someone whose geographic origins are suspect. We’re quick to dismiss folks because of their ethnicity or color. But Philip knew what he had experienced, so all he had to say was “Come and see!” and that changed everything. That little invitation remains the best way for us to introduce people to Jesus. If we care at all about evangelism and spreading the good news of Jesus, the best way is to invite people to share our experience. Arguing with someone or debating fine points of theology usually has no effect at all, except to possibly drive them away. But if we can invite others to our worship community or small group or ask them to be a part of a service project, it makes all the difference in the world. It’s in the shared experience that your friend or acquaintance will begin to understand why this Jesus guy is so important to you, and it may even change their life. Even if they don’t get him at first, usually, as in Nathanael’s case, it doesn’t take them long to catch on!
Thought for the Day: When have I invited someone to “Come and see?”
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