On the very next day after the Baptist testifies that Jesus is the Son of God, he knows deep in his heart that his work is done. Walking with two of his disciples, the see Jesus walk by, and the Baptist knows that it is time, that he must decrease so that Jesus increases. Saying to his disciples a second time, “Behold, the Lamb of God,” his hand-off is smooth and gracious. He is telling them that they should follow Jesus from now on. And they do, literally, turn and follow Jesus.
Jesus sees them following, and in so doing opens the door to another important aspect of perfect unity - open hospitality. The Son of God has nothing more important at this moment than to greet those whom he already knows will become his disciples. Is a critical element of evangelism perhaps living so well and so available that people just want to follow you and talk?
And if they are willing to follow, don’t assume too much – ask simply. Jesus asks: “What are you seeking?” In this case, like autograph seekers, they want to know where he is staying. The Son of God says, come stay with me!
One of them is Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Andrew finds his brother and brings him to Jesus, saying, “We have found the Messiah.” The other is surely the other John, soon to become the Apostle John.
Jesus gazes intensely at Simon, Andrew’s brother, and as if he has always known him says, “You are Simon, the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Rock).
Going on to Galilee, Jesus finds Philip, and issues the first of many commands: “Follow me.” Simple as that. Philip knew.
Philip then finds Nathanael and joins Andrew as the first missionaries: one shares his joy by calling Jesus the Messiah; the second also by claiming he has found Jesus of Nazareth, who is fulfillment of ancient prophecy. Proclaiming both of these truths is an excellent measure of perfect unity with God and with each other.
Now Nathanael is not so sure – aren’t all the prophesies about Bethlehem, not that Podunk town Nazareth?
Again, hospitality – don’t challenge, just say, “Come and see!”
Jesus sees Nathanael, already knows him by name, and correctly summarizes Nathanael’s personality, which is to tell the truth whether the hearer wants to hear it or not – no deceit.
Nathanael is stunned and wonders how Jesus could know him so intimately when they have never met. Jesus says he saw Nathanael earlier when he was under a fig tree.
In all likelihood, Nathanael has been praying regularly in the shade of his own fig tree, a common practice in Israel, and this is how Jesus sees him – through the Spirit in prayer. This is powerful perfect unity; the kind Jesus prays for three years later at the threshold of his death for all of us. Pray! Whether in fear or joy or any circumstance, pray! The doors of heaven are wide open, and you are seen!
The guileless, deceit-less, truthful Nathanael knows truth when he sees it, declaring, “You are the Son of God! The King of Israel!”
Jesus admires his quick decision for faith, but whether fast or slow, perfect unity involves steadfast faith that Jesus is in all reality the Son and the King.
And Jesus rewards Nathanael richly with the first of many, many times he will say, “Truly, truly, I say to you,…” this first time with a clear reference to Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12-22):
“Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (Jn 1:51).
If we learn together, starting with Jesus’ perfect unity with ancient prophecy, together we will see his never-ending love for us and his restoration on our behalf as one body from the sins of temptation, disobedience, and disunity, through mutual sincere repentance to eternal life!
Isn’t this part of what every believer has in common?
We will find much more in the weeks ahead.