Greater Things Than This

October 15

Jesus was in the process of selecting His disciples, choosing the men who would follow Him through His three year ministry and propagate the good news after His death and resurrection. When He encountered Nathanael, He said something to him that immediately piqued Nathanael’s interest.

In John 1:47, Jesus said to the prospective member of His team, “Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no guile.” In vs. 48, Nathanael responded, “How do You know me?” Nathanael was clearly surprised that a stranger recognized the aspect of his character for which he was most noted.

By way of explanation, Jesus answered Nathanael’s quarry by saying, “Before Philip called you under the fig tree, I saw you.” Philip was the one who informed Nathanael that Jesus was the promised One, the One of whom Moses and the prophets had written. Philip’s witness to Nathanael played a significant role in his life. It transformed him from an ordinary man into one of ‘the twelve.’

In John 1:50, Jesus told Nathanael, “Do you believe only because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” We see from this exchange that the introduction we give to the unbelievers in our lives is a significant first step in their salvation and in their walk with the Lord. Yet, it is only the beginning of the glory they will see as they follow after Him.