Kevin Wilson 360

Our meditation this week is based on John 1:43-46, which is from the Gospel for next week’s appointment readings.

[43] The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” [44] Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. [45] Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” [46] Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”

We can understand why Philip acted as he did in this passage. After all, we know what it’s like to get excited:

• If we get good news about a serious medical test, we share the good news with a close friend. 
• If one of our adult children gets his or her dream job, we let extended family know. 
• If a grandchild is being baptized, we tell our neighbors. 

That said, I’ve noticed that as Christians we often don’t have the same eagerness as Philip to invite friends and family to get to know Jesus. There are times when I must count myself in this group. Given Jesus’ importance in our daily lives, how is this possible? 

• One reason is that, after living in God’s grace for decades, we no longer share Philip’s excitement of just meeting Jesus. 
• Another reason is that most of us have experienced the push back that Nathanael gave Philip, saying “Can anything good come out of Nazareth.” 
• Finally, we may think that all our friends and family already have faith in Jesus, thus have no real reason to hear about our Lord. 

Some of us feel guilty over not sharing Jesus with friends and family. No matter how deeply we feel this guilt, this truth remains: Jesus has already earned the forgiveness for this offense. When we confess the sin, God is faithful and forgives us. This forgiveness not only strengthens our faith. It provides us with motivation to let other know what it’s like to live in God’s grace, showered upon us for Jesus’ sake. 

It’s never too late to invite friends or family members to “come and see” Jesus. 

Until next week, the Lord bless and guide.

(Monday Meditations are written for the congregations of the Ohio District LCMS.)