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Point Out the Positive



Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote; Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." And Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:45-47 NKJV)





Nathanael was a serious student of the Scriptures. Philip indicates that he was very familiar with all the Old Testament Scriptures concerning the coming of Messiah, and that's why Nathanael was skeptical about the Messiah coming out of Nazareth. Micah 5:2 indicates that He would be born in Bethlehem, but nothing was written about Nazareth.





With reluctance, he goes to meet Jesus, and as they meet, the first thing Jesus says is that Nathanael is a man without deceit. The Greek word for deceit is a very interesting one. It literally means "to bait the hook," and it speaks of deception or a quality of falseness that's frequently found in people. Jesus is basically saying, "I know that you are a 'straight-shooter,' and that's admirable."



I find this fascinating because Jesus could have scolded Nathanael for his unbelief and his arrogance in thinking that the Christ couldn't have a connection with the town of Nazareth (for further study compare this with Matthew 2:23). But rather than note the negative, Jesus points out the positive in Nathanael's character. Watch what happened:





Nathanael said to Him, "How do You know me?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered and said to Him, "Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (John 1:48-49 NKJV) By complimenting Nathanael on an aspect of his character, Jesus opened a door of dialogue that led to salvation. When we encounter the "Nathanaels" in our lives, we should edify and encourage them in what they are doing well instead of hammering away at their faults and flaws. Our words will go a lot further.



Who on your list could you invite to church this weekend?



How can God use your invitation as a blessing and encouragement to your friend?



Lord, give me courage to â¦