The Invitation That Changes Everything
Previously, in John 1:38, Jesus turned to two of John the Baptist’s disciples and asked them a profound question: “What are you seeking?” It was an invitation for them to examine their hearts, to consider their deepest longings. When they responded by asking where he was staying, Jesus gave them another invitation: “Come and see.”
Today’s passage, John 1:43–51, takes that invitation a step further. Here, Jesus encounters Philip and Nathanael, and his words to them are even more direct: “Follow me.” Two simple words - yet they carried an undeniable power. They weren’t merely an instruction to walk behind him physically. They were a call to complete and total discipleship, an invitation to trust, obey, and surrender their lives to him.
Skepticism and a Life-Changing Encounter
Philip, after meeting Jesus, immediately went to find his friend Nathanael. Excited, he told 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). But Nathanael wasn’t so sure. His response was skeptical, even dismissive: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46).
Nazareth was an obscure, seemingly insignificant town. Nathanael couldn’t imagine that the promised Messiah would come from such a place. His expectations were low - until Philip echoed Jesus’ earlier words: “Come and see.” Instead of arguing, Philip simply invited him to experience Jesus for himself.
What happened next is remarkable. When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (John 1:47). This took Nathanael by surprise. “How do you know me?” he asked. Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (John 1:48).
Something about that statement - perhaps the way Jesus knew him before they had even met - struck Nathanael deeply. His skepticism melted away, and he responded in awe: “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49).
Why Did Nathanael’s Heart Change So Quickly?
It’s worth reflecting on what happened in this moment. How did Nathanael go from doubting whether anything good could come from Nazareth to worshiping Jesus as the Son of God?
Maybe it was the way Jesus saw him - not just physically under the fig tree, but truly saw him. Perhaps Nathanael had been in deep thought or prayer when Jesus observed him from afar. Maybe he had been wrestling with something in his heart, something only God could know. Whatever the case, Jesus’ words broke through his doubt, revealing that he knew Nathanael better than Nathanael knew himself.
Isn’t that how Jesus often works in our lives? He meets us in our skepticism, our questions, our uncertainties. And in one moment, with one word, he reveals that he’s known us all along. He calls us by name. And like Nathanael, we’re left with only one response: “You are the Son of God!”
A Greater Vision Awaits
Jesus then told Nathanael something even more astonishing: “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (John 1:50). Then he added, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:51).
This was a powerful reference to Genesis 28:12, where Jacob had a dream of a ladder reaching from earth to heaven, with angels ascending and descending on it. Jesus was saying, in essence, “I am that ladder. I am the bridge between heaven and earth. I am the way to God.”
By following Jesus, Nathanael and the other disciples were going to witness things beyond their imagination. They would see miracles, hear divine wisdom, and ultimately, witness the death and resurrection of the Son of God. The invitation to follow was an invitation to behold the glory of God.
What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
Jesus’ words, “Follow me,” meant more than just walking alongside him. They meant:
Follow my ways. Live as I live. Walk in obedience.
Follow my teaching. Trust my words. Believe my truth.
Follow me in faith. Surrender your life, your plans, your ambitions to me.
Follow me in relationship. Walk closely with me. Know me as I know you.
To follow Jesus is to entrust our lives to him completely. It means putting aside our skepticism, our doubts, our self-sufficiency, and stepping into a life of faith. It means embracing the reality that he is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Have You Answered the Call?
Philip and Nathanael heard Jesus’ call, and they followed. What about you? Have you truly responded to Jesus’ invitation? Have you not only come to see who he is but also committed to following him in every sphere of your life?
Following Jesus isn’t a one-time decision - it’s a daily walk. It’s choosing to trust him when the path is unclear. It’s obeying his commands when they challenge our comfort. It’s seeking him first, above all else. And it’s believing that, like Nathanael, we will see greater things when we follow him wholeheartedly.
Jesus still speaks these two simple words today: “Follow me.” How will you respond?
Questions for Personal Reflection
Like Nathanael, have you ever been skeptical about Jesus? How did he reveal himself to you in a way that changed your perspective?
What does it mean for you personally to follow Jesus? In what areas of your life is he calling you to deeper trust and obedience?
Are you inviting others to “come and see” Jesus, like Philip did with Nathanael? How can you share your faith more intentionally?
Walking Points
Spend time today reflecting on John 1:43-51. Ask Jesus to show you what it truly means to follow him in your daily life.
Consider someone in your life who may be skeptical about Jesus. Like Philip, invite them to “come and see” rather than arguing or debating.
If this devotion encouraged you, consider sharing it with others who may need the same reminder. And if you haven’t already, subscribe to Walking Points so you never miss a new post. Let’s continue growing together in faith and obedience!