Come and See

Come and See

He said unto them, “Come and see.” John 1:39

When sharing Jesus with others, do you only report what you know, or do you invite them to come and see?

Jesus invites each of us into a relationship with Him, showing who He is. His first disciples, Andrew and his brother Simon Peter, asked Him in their initial meeting, “Where are you staying?”. Jesus could have simply mentioned the house and where it was located. Rather, He replied, “Come and you will see” and they spent that day with Him (John 1:39).

After Phillip started following Jesus as a disciple (John 1:43), scripture says “Philip found Nathanael” (John 1:45). Though he still had little knowledge about Jesus, Philip had faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20), sharing with his friend that the Messiah had been found- “Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph” (John 1:45).

Nathanael had his doubts, saying, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Philip didn’t spend time trying to convince the doubting Nathanael. He simply said three powerful words, prompted by the Holy Spirit, “Come and see.” (John 1:46)

What Is Our Purpose?

As followers of Christ, we too are to carry out the Great Commission, lovingly sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with people who the Holy Spirit places in our path. We are to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19-20). In Jesus’ parable, you and I are His servants and His messengers, inviting others to come and see Him:

We are to extend His invitation, “Come and see. Come and see Jesus for yourself.”

There will be times when doubts will be cast while sharing the Good News of Jesus with others. We too can say, “Come and see.” If led by the Holy Spirit, know that sharing the Gospel with an unbeliever is the Lord’s will. And if that unbeliever accepts the invitation to “Come and see,” the Holy Spirit has great things to show him!

Nathanael believed enough to come with Philip, to “see” for himself. Before Nathanael was face to face with Jesus, the Son of Man said to him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

“How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. 

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you” (John 1:46-48). Nathanael knew nothing of Jesus before Philip shared Jesus with him, but Jesus knew Nathanael. It’s speculated that Nathanael was in prayer while under the fig tree, for under the shade of a tree, Jews were accustomed to retire for meditation and prayer.

Jesus’ vision of Nathanael under a fig tree is significant. Fig trees and vines are symbolic of the eternal peace and restful enjoyment of wholesome joys found in the coming Messiah and His kingdom, living “in safety, everyone under their own vine and under their own fig tree” (1 Kings 4:25 and Micah 4:4).

This is also a prophesy from Jesus that Nathanael will be evangelizing the Gospel and sharing the promise of eternal peace and joy found only in Christ: “‘In that day each of you will invite your neighbor to sit under your vine and fig tree,’ declares the Lord Almighty” (Zechariah 3:10).

Jesus knew Nathanael’s heart. And Jesus knows your heart, and the life and purpose of each person- believer and unbeliever. He knows every word uttered, thought made, and deed ever done and will be done. And yet, Jesus still invites the called to “come and see” Him. 

And not just come to see, as in to gaze upon Him like a show of entertainment. Jesus was developing a relationship with Nathanael, and Nathanael had not fully reached Jesus! It was the soon-to-be disciple’s faith to come see the Son of God that prompted the immediate building of a relationship, with more to come.

Jesus goes on to share His promises and expectations for Nathanael should he stay in relationship with Him: “You shall see greater things than that…I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (John 1:50-51).

Jesus Has A Plan for You Too

This is not simply a promise directed to one soon-to-be disciple living 2,000 years ago. 

Each believer who takes the step to “come and see,” and then makes the decision to follow Jesus Christ, will also see and experience greater things in Him. 

But we each have a choice. Many claim to believe, even Christians. But they believe as a fact, and not enough to surrender all and follow Christ every day of their life. God’s Word says that even the demons believe in Him, and shudder (James 2:19).

We Are Called to Evangelize

Do you believe enough to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others, or simply to consume the blessings of the Lord?

When sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with others, think of the Holy Spirit speaking through Philip, offering a loving invitation for others to come and see Him: “Come, see, then receive Jesus to live His life in you and through you- the Lamb of God and Savior of the World.” 

When the woman at the well encountered Jesus, where He revealed to her that He was the Messiah that she had been waiting for, she said to the town people to also “come and see”:

"Come, see a man who told me all that I ever did. Can this be the Christ?" (John 4:29) 

Like Jesus’ encounter with Nathanael and the woman at the well, there is much joy and wonder to experience that only a relationship with Jesus can offer. Let us “come and see” the risen Savior that we may have life and have it abundantly (John 10:10). 

Do you have Christ-filled peace and joy bursting from your chest, so much that you can’t resist sharing the Good News with everyone you meet, so that they have the opportunity to know Jesus too, and not suffer eternity without Him?

And if this speaks to your heart, will you pray over this today? 

Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of total surrender to you. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience. Lord, I want to come and see you, to experience you, not just know of you. And I have a desire to share the Good News of your peace and joy with others, because I care about them, as you love and care about me. Use me. Give me boldness and courageousness, and impart your wisdom upon me, Holy Spirit. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

Best Sequence for Meals: The Health Benefits

What is the best sequence to eat a meal?

Let’s first begin with a suggestion that starts in the morning, and will help to have a positive effect on your overall health the rest of your day.

Digestion, Energy, and Hydration

Since you’ve been sleeping for many hours, your body is most likely dehydrated on some level. While drinking a glass of water is fine, it’s best to have a glass of water (filtered water is preferred) that contains trace minerals, such as a pinch of sea salt, Himalayan salt, or other type of natural salt that is not table salt. Trace minerals contain electrolytes that will boost energy levels, support immune function, and assist with hydration and muscle function.

The Science: A natural salt contains trace minerals which has an affect on the adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) balance. Those trace minerals (sodium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, potassium, chloride, and calcium) act as essential cofactors for the enzymes that manage energy production and transfer.

Adding a little honey can help with electrolyte absorption, while lemon juice can help with mineral absorption, cleansing the liver, stimulating digestion, and many other healthful benefits. Adding fresh ginger slices can further hydration benefits, as well as aid in digestion.

Time for A Meal

At each meal, depending on the meal you’re having, the healthiest order to eat food is generally fiber-rich vegetables and other non-starchy vegetables first, followed by protein and healthy fats, and then carbohydrates (starches and sugars) last. This eating sequence can help slow down digestion, reduce the absorption of sugars, and prevent blood sugar spikes after a meal, which may lead to better energy levels and reduced cravings.  

Fiber First:

Fiber creates a "viscous mesh" in your intestines that slows the absorption of sugars into your bloodstream. 

Protein and Fats Second:

Proteins and fats take longer to digest than carbohydrates, which further slows the emptying of your stomach and the release of glucose. 

Carbohydrates Last:

By eating carbs last, the fiber, protein, and fats have already begun to slow down your digestion, leading to a more gradual rise in blood sugar. 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}