January 12, 2025 "You Are Known And You Are Loved"

ReNew Ames Messages

The story of the calling of Phillip and Nathanael - but mostly about Nathanael. This story is not about what Nathanael sees - it's really first about what Jesus sees. It's only when Jesus sees Nathanael for who he truly is that Nathanael experiences transformation. He tells him is is a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit. Let's unpack that here. Deceit is a concept we we get. Nathanael is a real one - he's an authentic one. But the first person to ever be called "Israel" is a guy named Jacob. Now, there is irony in this statement and we're gonna do some nerdy Bible work. The gist of it is this: the people of God are meant to be people of deep and profound integrity - real, authentic, honest. When they have doubts, they express them - when they're skeptical, they're honest about it - they truly wrestle with the divine and it's so good. Jesus sees that in Nathanael and names it. He could have named any number of things about Nathanael that would have brought out things like shame and embarrassment. But he doesn't. He sees and names the quality in Nathanael that he want's to nurture and cultivate. And because of it, Nathanael is transformed. What would it be like if we saw others the way Jesus sees? Jesus sees you for who you really are at your core. Sees the goodness - your capacity to love others. It's only when Nathanael is truly seen that he is able to see who Jesus is. In other words, it's only when we have been seen to our core in that personal way that we can see others. It's only when we have been loved right down to our core that we can love others and God does. You are seen. You are known. You are loved. Now, let's do the same. Speaker: Aaron Vis Scripture: John 1:43-51 https://www.bible.com/events/49375616