Come and See

Come and See

The Invitation to Encounter the King

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship, likely delivered by Matthew Vander Els, centers on the Gospel of John and its profound invitation to recognize and experience Jesus, or Yeshua, as the prophesied Messiah, the King of Kings, and the very source of new creation. The message emphasizes that this invitation, encapsulated in Philip's simple words "Come and see," extends not only to those who first encountered Jesus but also to every reader of John's Gospel.

The teaching begins by acknowledging the anxieties and uncertainties of the world in 2021. It contrasts these worldly concerns with the enduring reign of God's kingdom, where peace, love, and mercy flow from the throne of King Yeshua. The speaker encourages listeners to actively choose to immerse themselves in this divine reality, particularly on the Sabbath day, which is presented as a time set apart to connect with God and experience His peace. Reflecting on distractions that might hinder this connection is encouraged.

The message then delves into the unique nature of the Gospel of John compared to the other three Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which are collectively known as the Synoptic Gospels. John's account is described as more "original," offering a distinct perspective on the ministry of Jesus. While the Synoptic Gospels provide similar tours of Jesus' life and ministry, John's Gospel starts differently, not with genealogy or nativity, but by reaching back to the creation account in Genesis 1.

However, John's purpose is not merely to revisit the original creation but to highlight a new creation that has been inaugurated through Jesus Christ. This new reality is one where life itself flows from the power and person of Yeshua as the Messiah and King. John's Gospel, therefore, invites readers to see Jesus not just as a historical figure, but as the divine Logos through whom all creation came into being.

The narrative then shifts to the encounter between Philip and Nathanael in John chapter 1. Philip, having been called by Jesus to "follow me," enthusiastically declares to Nathanael, "We have found him, the one Moses wrote about in the Torah, and about whom the prophets also spoke—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." The speaker emphasizes that at this point in the story, John's account provides no explicit reason for Philip's profound conviction. Jesus simply says, "Follow me."

Nathanael's initial skepticism, questioning whether anything good could come from Nazareth, highlights a common prejudice. Philip's response, "Come and see," is presented as a pivotal moment, an invitation not only to Nathanael but also to the reader of John's Gospel. This phrase encapsulates the central theme of the teaching: a personal encounter with Jesus is the key to recognizing him as the promised Messiah.

The teaching underscores that John's Gospel immediately establishes high expectations for Jesus, identifying him as the divine Logos, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, and Israel's Messiah and King. While Philip's declaration might seem like an overzealous claim, the opening of John suggests a revelatory insight. Therefore, readers are called to "come and see" how this Jesus of Nazareth is indeed the true King.

The message then explores the conflicts Jesus faced, particularly with the religious leaders who accused him of violating the Sabbath. The healing of a lame man and Jesus' instruction for him to carry his mat sparked outrage among the conservative Torah keepers. Instead of defusing the situation, Jesus escalated it by declaring, "My Father is working until now, and I am working." This statement led to accusations of blasphemy, as Jesus claimed equality with God.

This conflict becomes a launching pad for a significant discourse by Jesus in John chapter 5. In this discourse, Jesus challenges the religious elite who meticulously studied the scriptures, believing they held the key to eternal life. Jesus asserts that the scriptures themselves point to him, and true life is found only in him. He states, "You search the scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life."

The speaker emphasizes the paradoxical tragedy that those whose very role was to interpret Moses and the prophets failed to recognize the one to whom these writings testified. Despite their extensive knowledge of the Torah, their rejection of Jesus meant they failed to understand its true purpose. This idea is described as a "fateful circulatory," where understanding the Old Testament requires first believing in Jesus. Jesus states, "If you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me."

The teaching highlights that John's approach to linking the Old Testament to Jesus differs from that of Luke and the Synoptic Gospels, who often use direct citations. John's style is more evocative, using images and allusions to Israel's scriptures to make his points. For example, the reference to the serpent lifted up by Moses in Numbers is used to illustrate the lifting up of Jesus.

The message addresses the misconception that John's Gospel promotes the idea that the Torah is done away with or that Judaism is replaced by Christianity. Instead, it argues that John presents the coming of Jesus as the fullness and evolution of God's plan revealed in the Old Testament. The law given through Moses is understood to point towards the grace and truth that came through Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews is quoted as saying that the law is "only a shadow of the good things that are coming, not the realities themselves." Similarly, Paul in Colossians states that the fullness of God is found in Jesus.

The teaching returns to the question of how Philip knew with such certainty that Jesus was the Messiah. While John does not explicitly state the reason, the Gospel itself paints a picture of Jesus' identity as the Christ, the King who brings a new order, surpassing earthly empires and offering freedom from despair. This King achieves victory not through worldly power but through service, forgiveness, mercy, and self-sacrifice. Believers are called to embody this radical ethic.

The message concludes by emphasizing the immediate desire of Jesus' first followers to bring others to him. This is contrasted with instances in the Old Testament where God's chosen people focused on ethnic privilege rather than being a channel of blessing to other nations. The speaker challenges listeners to reflect on whether they actively share the good news of Jesus with others, driven by a genuine desire for them to experience God's peace and eternal life. A personal audit of one's communication, especially on social media, is suggested to assess whether it reflects allegiance to Jesus. Ultimately, the teaching encourages everyone, regardless of their current emotional state, to "come and see" the hope found in Jesus.

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Application for Everyday Life

• Seek Deeper Connection with God: Take intentional time, perhaps especially on a Sabbath, to step away from distractions and focus on God's presence and peace.
• Reflect on Your Beliefs: Examine what might be preventing you from fully experiencing the peace and rest offered by God.
• Engage with Scripture Expectantly: Read the Bible, particularly the Gospel of John, with the understanding that it points to Jesus as the Messiah and King.
• Invite Others to Encounter Jesus: Like Philip, be ready to share your faith and invite others to "come and see" who Jesus is.
• Recognize Jesus in the Old Testament: Understand that the Hebrew Bible foreshadows and points to the person and work of Jesus.
• Embrace God's Promises Fulfilled in Jesus: See Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises and the evolution of His plan.
• Live by Kingdom Ethics: Emulate Jesus' example of service, forgiveness, mercy, and love, even towards those you consider your enemies.
• Share the Good News: Be mindful of your communication and ensure it reflects a desire to share the hope and life found in Jesus with others.

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