So how does Jesus overcome this scepticism? In today's reading, Jesus shows that he KNOWS the ones coming toward him – he knows Simon, he knows Simon's character, he knows Simon's destiny to become the Cephas, the rock on which he builds his church. He knows Nathanael, he knows Nathanael's character, he knows Nathanael's weaknesses and circumstances. Simon and Nathanael are NOT anonymous! Jesus knows exactly what they need, because HE put them together in their mothers' wombs. In truly knowing Simon, Jesus gives him precisely the experience he needs, a vision for his life as a follower of Jesus. And in truly knowing Nathanael, Jesus gives him precisely the experience he needs – he proclaims to him precisely where he was standing - so that Nathanael can have confidence in his Messiah.
Jesus has done the same for us. Even before we came to Jesus – as an infant or an adult or anywhere in between – Jesus knew us. He knows us the way a designer KNOWS his own creation, way beyond how well WE know ourselves. He knows our character, he knows our circumstances, he knows our weaknesses, he knows our sins. And yet, Jesus still seeks us out and chooses us. And then, Jesus gives US experiences, so that we can have confidence in him. We all share the experience of the power of the gospel, the story of his sacrifice on the cross, for all of us. Jesus endured something too horrible for words, so that we could have something that seems, too good to be true.
But then, knowing everything about us, Jesus gives us more experiences designed to build both our collective AND INDIVIDUAL faith in him. Many of us have experienced how our grandparents and parents and church friends have trusted in Jesus. Many of us have experienced low times, where we rely on Jesus, and he comes through and delivers us. And many of us have experienced high times, where we find ourselves blessed in surprising and overwhelming ways. There are the interesting times, where we feel his guidance through the turbulence. And there will be the end times, where we are comforted with his presence, and the knowledge that we will soon see him face to face. As we go through these experiences designed just for us, we are reassured, and we respond by saying, “you ARE the Son of God.” And as we go through these experiences, we feel the excitement that leads us to invite our neighbours to “come and see.”
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for knowing us and choosing us, and in spite of our sins, enduring the cross for us. Build up our faith through your Word to us, and through your presence in our lives, so that we can accept and share the great gift you have given us. Transform us and guide us by your Holy Spirit, so that we can expand your kingdom, in your name, amen.