Readings:
Sermon:
In our Gospel we hear Nathaniel’s response to Philip's declaration that they had found the long-awaited Messiah: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Somewhat sceptical but this seemingly simple question displays the universal themes of doubt and preconception, inviting us to reflect on our own preconceptions and the transformative power of an open mind.
We all carry biases and preconceived ideas. How often do we dismiss something or someone based on our own assumptions? "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" serves as a mirror reflecting our tendency to judge without exploration. How many times have we heard families saying we don’t speak to that family. And when asked why, they say don’t know but that’s what Grandma says. Generations of conflict, the original reason lost in time. Recently someone asked me what’s the best thing about Kidderminster? And proceeded to answer his own question with a question - the A449?
Philip's response is also fascinating. He doesn't get into an argument or try to convince Nathaniel through persuasive discussion. Instead, he extends a direct and powerful invitation: "Come and see." These three words cut through scepticism and invite Nathaniel to experience the truth for himself. It's a call to action, urging us to move beyond judgment and explore the depths of understanding.
We too are invited to examine the "Nazareths" in our own lives – those places, ideas, or individuals we might dismiss without giving them a fair chance. What if, instead of becoming sceptics, and I speak to myself here as much as anyone, each of us had the humility to say, "Come and see"? What joy might be discovered by approaching the unfamiliar with an open heart and mind?
This passage encourages us to consider the power of personal experience to transform. Nathaniel's doubts are not dispelled through argument but through encountering Jesus. How often do our perspectives change through our experiences rather than a slick presentation? "Come and see" becomes a chorus for the reality of personal encounters, emphasising the value of direct, firsthand experience.
Recently I was sat preparing a sermon and our new baby grandson arrived home from hospital. After a few minutes the door opened and my Granddaughter came in and said excitedly and in hushed tones, “Grandad, Grandad, come on, come and see.” She gestured for me to follow her and we tip toed to the living room where she said with a huge smile, “Look”. There was the newborn surrounded by smiling people and I too joined in the baby worship. A personal encounter initiated by my excited granddaughter, full of pure joy.
Nathaniel came to faith through his friend. Philip did not urge him or cajole him into following Jesus, but mainly shared his own excitement, and invited Nathaniel to see for himself. Phillip did no more. Jesus did all the rest as soon as Nathaniel met Jesus for himself. He believed.
As Christians, all we are required to do is to share our excitement about Jesus and invite our friends to come with us. Once they meet Jesus for themselves, they too may believe, because Jesus does all the rest. Jesus can see the potential within every person and can bring that potential to fruition. But he needs us to say to our friends “come and see”.
So John 1:46 invites us to reflect on our suppositions, our prejudices. It challenges us to be open-minded explorers, ready to encounter the unfamiliar with a spirit of curiosity. And simply to share our excitement and invite friends to “come and see.”
So as we reflect on this, let us ask ourselves - in what areas of our lives are we quick to judge without exploration? Are we truly excited about Jesus so that we can say “come and see?” Or do we need to encounter Jesus in our own lives - is the invitation “come and see” to us?