REVEALING THE TRUE NATURE OF JESUS

Sunday - 15th January 2006: Epiphany 2

1 Samuel 3.1-10  |  Revelations 5.1-10  |  John 1.43-end : To see the current week's readings, click here

Epiphany, as I’m sure you’re aware means ‘to show forth’, or to reveal, or to make known, to manifest - and at this time we think about how Jesus’ true nature was revealed - in his adoration by the Magi; by the voice of God the Father at his baptism; in the first miracle at Cana where he turned water into wine and his glory was shown; and today as we hear Philip challenge the sceptical Nathaniel - “Come and see!”. And Nathaniel - who does come and see - is bowled over by what he sees and experiences!

This is an Epiphany story because in it we see Jesus' glory revealed or shown forth in his divine declaration about Nathaniel which so transforms Nathaniel’s scepticism. We’re not quite sure why Jesus simple words seem to have had such an impact on him... Maybe Nathanael was sitting under that fig tree praying for the restoration of Israel.. so when Jesus tells him the topic and substance of his unspoken prayer Nathaniel realises that Jesus is more than just an ordinary person... who knows?

YOU AIN'T SEEN NOTHIN' YET!

And Jesus promises that Nathaniel hasn’t seen anything yet - the revelation - the unveiling, the making manifest, the showing who Jesus is - will get clearer and clearer!

Part of our task as disciples is to allow our lives and our worship to be mini-Epiphanies - we are called, as individuals and as a Church to reveal Jesus. We are to be people who, like Philip, say to others “Come and see!”

CALL TO ACTION...

It’s not just our words which tell our story. Philip could have spent hours persuading and badgering Nathaniel that Jesus was worth following - instead he cuts short on the words and challenges him to see for himself. It may well have been Philip’s enthusiasm which swept a grudging Nathaniel off his backside under the fig tree and persuaded him that he would at least have a look.

St Francis is famous for telling his followers: Go, spread the good news and use words if you have to - so the Epiphany is not just in our words, but in our attitudes, actions and lifestyles...

Who we are and how we live should reveal something about Jesus. So let’s think about how we can play our part in encouraging others to come and see!

Fr Andrew J Perry
Rector, St John the Evangelist, Pevensey Rd, St Leonards on Sea