“So the Jews said to him, “What sign do you show us for doing these things?” ¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” ²⁰ The Jews then said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?” ²¹ But he was speaking about the temple of his body. ²² When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.²³ Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. ²⁴ But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people²⁵ and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man.”  John 2:18-25

“…for he himself knew what was in everyone.” G-d knows what is in our heart, what is in our mind, what is in our thoughts. In fact, G-d, the Father Son and Holy Spirit, knows all people. Is that a scary thought or a thought of overwhelming comfort? It comforts me to know that G-d knows my needs, and my desires, and my worries, of course before I even can anticipate them for myself.  Yet, how awesome is the thought that G-d knows what is in me, deep down in the very essence of who I am—all of the bad along with the good. I pray each night for the people of this congregation and the people that I know who are in need. Yet, I am strangely comforted knowing that for G-d, my prayers are simply repeating what G-d already knows.  And I continue to be comforted knowing that G-d knows me so well – for it is only through the Father, Son and Holy Spirit that I can continue in ministry each and every day.

Just because G-d knows what is in each one of us does not mean we do not continue to go to G-d in prayer. Prayer keeps us in the conversation—keeps the communication open, which keeps our hearts open as well.

Pastor Dave

³⁵ The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, ³⁶ and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!”³⁷ The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. ³⁸ Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” ³⁹ He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. ⁴⁰ One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ). ⁴² He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter).  John 1:35-42

We have the calling of the disciples in this part of John, and specifically the conversation between Philip and Nathanael. Philip, after being called by Jesus, first goes to tell Nathanael about his experience with Jesus. We do not have any of the conversation except for Nathanael’s comment about what good can come out of Nazareth, and Philip’s response “Come and See.” Nazareth was a town with many influences, including many Gentile influences. Even the people in Nazareth reject the message of Jesus—people of his hometown. Nazareth would not have been a good town to raise good, Jewish children, apparently.

But we can learn a lot from this short exchange. First and foremost, Philip becomes the first evangelist, going forward to share what has happened to him in his encounter with Jesus. And, even in the face of severe rejection, Philip persists with compelling words – come and find out for yourself. It doesn’t take a lot of fancy words to invite people to come and experience the good news of Jesus Christ. Simple words of invitation will do – and may speak volumes to those who just need a simple invitation.

My friends, believe it or not, there are people out in our communities who want to hear some good news in their lives, especially existential good news. They are waiting for you and me to share the story.

Pastor Dave