The Patriarch, Jacob, was surprised to find God working in his midst without him knowing it (Genesis 28).  It’s clear that God is doing a lot more than we realize. In our Gospel reading, Nathanael is impressed with Jesus’ prophetic knowledge of him under a fig tree. Jesus tells him that he will see greater things than this and draws a parallel with Jacob’s experience. In this first chapter of John’s Gospel, Jesus is inviting people to be his disciples and see what he will do. 

Jesus call us to exercise faith.

Faith is a gift from God, but it is not meant to be merely received in a passive way.  We see several examples of exercising faith in Jesus. 

1. Passing the word along to others. In this paragraph from John 1, as well as the preceding section, knowledge of Jesus is passed from person to person. Jesus found Philip, and Philip found Nathanael. Everyone today who is a Christian can thank others for sharing the word.

2. Seeking answers to honest questions. There are two kinds of skeptics about Jesus related to his childhood roots in Nazareth. Nathanael knows the Messiah is not from there, but he still comes to see. The Pharisees choose to stay confused and skeptical (John 7:52). 

3. Checking expectations. Jesus promised angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man. This reference to Jacob’s ladder from Genesis 28 meant that Jesus himself would be the “house of God.” He was the gate to heaven and brought heaven to earth. Through his death and resurrection, Jesus has given us access to God.

Taking It Home: Talk to others about faith. Bring sincere questions to the Lord.  There are excellent answers to many of them. Expect more from Jesus.