Showing Up: Loving Others Like Jesus DoesНамуна

GOD CALLS (Jesus invites others to follow him)

In the verses just before today's, Philip (a new follower of Jesus) told his friend Nathanael that they had found The One - the one who had been promised to Israel and who God's people had been waiting for.

Philip invited Nathanael to “come and see." Nathanael would understandably have expected to see or experience something significant, but probably not what actually happened. When Jesus lifted his eyes and saw Nathanael coming towards him, he offered Nathanael praise for his truest self. Jesus knew that standing before him was a person who was honest and devoted to God. He knew Nathanael before they’d even met. Nathanael was seen by the Messiah and was truly known.

Perhaps later in Nathanael’s life, he remembered that moment. Maybe he considered Jesus’ words when other followers were leaving because of his radical teachings. Possibly he thought back on being fully known while he was hiding away after Jesus’ death.

Do you remember the moment you realized that the Lord knows you? What did the Son of God say about your truest self? "Behold, this woman was made to love others; this woman was made to use her voice; this woman was made to worship and honor me.”

Regardless of your past, your disappointments, and your insecurities, remember that Jesus sees you and knows you. He called you into ministry. He called you to himself. When the Son of God looks at you, he sees the woman that he made in his own image. He knows who he created you to be and what he has prepared you to do.

REFLECTION

What would you hear Jesus saying if you walked toward him today?

Philip invited Nathanael to meet Jesus. How can you be like Philip to those you’re mentoring and leading this week?