Thursday, May 12, 2011

John 1:43-49


1) Silence, Stillness and Centering before God (2 minutes) 

2) Scripture Reading: John 1:43-49

3) Devotional 
In this passage we see again the choice of following Jesus.  Nathanael initially rejected Jesus because he was from Nazareth.  He was very skeptical.  As a student of the law, Nathanael didn't think the Messiah could come from such a simple background. He had expectations of who the Messiah was. Philip proclaimed that Jesus is the Messiah.  He believed as he was asked to follow Jesus and was excited to go to Nathanel, to tell him to come and see.  As Nathanael did decide to come along, Jesus doesn't have to convince him of how he represents what Nathanael has studied and read in the law.  Jesus tells him he knew Nathanael even before he was invited by Philip.  It didn't matter how much Nathanael knew about Jesus. It's not about the information, but about the relationship.  And through that Nathanael gives his confession of faith - that Jesus is not just the son of Joseph, but the Son of God.

4) Questions to Consider
Do you know a lot about God or do you know him intimately?

5) Prayer
Lord, I want to know you deeply.  Help me lay down my expectations of you.  I recognize that you know me through and through.  Spirit of God, open my heart and my eyes so that I can see God clearly and recognize His presence in me.  I want to follow you and see what you have for me.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)