John 1:43-47

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me”. Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus son of Joseph from Nazareth”. Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see”. When Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him, he said of him, “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”

I so appreciate this story!!!!  Philip meets Jesus and runs to tell Nathaniel about what he has seen and felt.  And Nathaniel, who is lounging under a tree says, rather pejoratively, hmmmpphhh, can any good thing come out of Nazareth (Jesus’ home town).  BUT, when Jesus sees Nathaniel he says, in the vernacular, this one does not mince words, he tells it like it is!!!!

What I appreciate is that Jesus is not angry with Nathaniel or his “jibe”.  This exchange between Jesus and Nathaniel reminds me that I can speak from my heart my truth, my doubts, my anger, my disappointment, my anything, to Jesus.  I can speak to him in honesty and openness.  And when it comes from a sincere heart, even if it sounds snarky, the one who loves me, who knows my heart, will respond with wisdom and sometimes, as in this story, in surprising ways.  Thank you, God, that we need not seek to deceive you with pretty words.  Instead, we may come with honest words and seek your wisdom and guidance in all things.