The Son of Man Opening Heaven

As we come to the end of Chapter 1, Jesus continues to gather disciples to himself. It culminates with Jesus statement about the heavens being broke open and staying open in Him and in His ministry. We can say with the wrtiter to the Hebrews, that God is going to speak to us in His Son, and in an ultimate way, in a climactic way. Such that no further word from heaven will be needed as this Word is still speaking today. Wherever the gospel is proclaimed and believed on, there it is.

While his glory is going to be displayed in His immanent signs that are to come. We will still again see glimpses of His glory in this pericope in front of us today. Here are a few themes that we’ll see between this and the previous section.

Once again, we see Jesus is the true and wise initiator in salvific matters.

Saving encounters with Jesus stir evangelism and discipleship.

Confirmation of Jesus person and work are built on the OT

Truly, a new age has broken in in Jesus. He is making all things new Rev 21.

Verse 43. Read

It is Jesus purpose to go to Galilee, it is Jesus intention to go to find Philip. That’s what the language implies, and what I believe is going on here. But is there evidence as to why this would be the case. Are there any hints in the text that would make this more clear? Look at verse 44.

Read verse 44.

I believe this gives us a window into v. 43. I’m persuaded that Jesus knows about Philip from Andrew and Peter. John wants us to see that we are to be intercessory toward others. Not only are we to tell others about Jesus, but we are to tell Jesus about others. Jesus knows it, God knows it, it’s not unknown to Him. But He desires that we bring those things to Him. It might seem like a lot of reading in between the lines, but I really can’t see any other reason -at least convincing- for this little detail in v.44 other than that they had discussed Philip with Jesus, and so Jesus goes to Philip.

And what does Jesus say to Philip. “Follow me”. We learned last time that this word means to follow as a disciple. Last time it was done in accordance with common practice. The disciples went to the Rabbi with the intent of becoming disciples. This is not the case in our verse. Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him. This is totally unorthodox. He calls disciples to himself with an authority that was totally foreign to the current Rabbinic practice. It shouldn’t surprise us, as we see folks marvel at Jesus authority throughout the gospel narratives. “What kind of authority is this?” “He speaks with authority that we’re not used to.” I believe it’s very simple, He speaks with a divine authority. He is speaking as God’s own eternal Word. When He speaks, it is God’s summons to be His disciple. And so it not only comes with authority but power!

Recall the initiative and the control of the situation we talked about last time. Yes the disciples followed Him, but what does Jesus do? Asks them the penetrating question of what they’re after, and totally takes control of the situation. And again, it shouldn’t surprise us. He is the one in control, these are His creatures whom He has come to recreate. He came to His own. Again, harkening back to Genesis. “The earth was formless and void and darkness was upon the surface the deep.” John 1:5 “And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.” John 1:9 “There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens everyone.”

He has come to give light and life to the dark and dead. And He is going to do it. He will do it! Because of who He is.

And the same authoritative voice is calling us today to come and follow Him. Either for the first time or to ongoing faithfulness as a disciple. “Follow me”, says Jesus! I am the way, the Truth, and the Life. His voice speaks to us with the same authority and the same power to work new grace in us. From glory to glory, strength to strength we go as we come be faith to hear are Lords voice. Do you believe that? did you come here this morning anticipating that? When He speaks, the things that were not, come into existence.

This is the power and authority with which Jesus speaks the simple Words to Philip, “Follow me.” And Philip comes. And is changed. He is converted.

Verse 45.

We have another evangelistic response and another glorious title given to our Lord here.

Again, it is most natural for someone who has been born again to get themselves a tongue and tell of what God has done for them(Acts passage). But another detail here, I believe helps us in our evangelism. Nathaniel is versed in the Scriptures, and this is what Philip appeals to. I believe there is great wisdom for us here. You need to meet people where they are in evangelism. You have all sorts of extremes in the people you encounter. Where are they? Are they pharisaical and need the law to come thundering down on them with it’s exacting requirements causing them to despair of themselves and fly to Christ. Some are greatly downcast and need the immediate good news proclaimed to them that the Lord might lift up their head. It is incumbent upon us to learn about the people we evangelize to. The Lord uses that. It’s the way people open up. Recall Jesus previous question. What do you seek? What is your purpose? Where is your hope? But is starts with; what are your interests? What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time? Let them know you care, consider where they are. Appeal to their circumstance. This is good Biblical wisdom here that we learn both from our Lord and his disciple.

“Law and Prophets” is shorthand for entire Old Testament. It all points to Jesus in some way shape or form.

Jesus is:

The second and last Adam

The antitype of the Arc

Abraham’s Seed

He is the One greater than Joseph

The New Exodus is in Him

The True Kinsman Redeemer

The greater Job

Great David’s Greater Son

Greater than Jonah, Solomon

The Lamb par excellence.

Anywhere you go in the OT, He is there as a great Treasure to be discovered.

The Psalter is one big picture that not only foretells of events in Jesus life, but gives us a glimpse into His mind and heart as one who, sang, prayed, depended upon and cried out to God.

This is who Philip says Jesus is and what convinces Nathaniel. Other Scriptures testify to this as well that we won’t number.

Here’s the picture. Each phase, each book in the Old Testament is a door. And the only key that fits is Jesus. He unlocks the hidden depths and treasures of what God was going to do in Him for the sake of His people and the glory of His own Triune being! This is what Philip and Nathaniel (dilligent students of the Word), discover about Jesus and brings them to faith and recogniotion of His person and work( immature and dim as it may be right now).

So why is the Old Testament important. Because it’s your story. Your God was working then as now for you and me for His own glory. What a great advantage we have in our place in history. And though we have the key, there is still searching involved. The door is sometimes hidden from us and needs to be discovered by great labor. But why would we not set out on the search? To find out how God’s Spirit was at work in the prophets telling of Christ. To learn of the examples they were and are to us. “They were written for our example” as well.

Now in terms of the title and description given to Jesus, it is all good according to Nathaniel until Nazareth is mentioned, it’s sort of anticlimactic. “You had me until Nazareth.”

Verse 46

Nathaniels initial response has been much debated. Some have said it’s affirmative, “Something good can come out of Nazareth”. Some almost laughable, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth”. And some more inquisitive, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth”. I take this understanding. Nathaniel is thinking about where the Messiah is to come from, and He knows Bethlehem, but Nazareth is not on his(nor others of the day) radar.

And why Nazareth? This is part of the scandal of the Gospel! A little insignificant town of fishers.

Paraphrasing Augustine: When we consider why Nazareth, we ask; why The manger? why the form of a servant? why suffering? Why the cross?

Nothing in God’s great redemptive plan is according to the wisdom of the world.

By nature, we are prone to think according to worldly standards and expectations. God is in the habit of demonstration His wisdom and power through the weak, foolish, and insignificant. That’s what we gather from Jesus growing up in this little insignificant town.

So Nathaniel inquires, and Philip responds just as Jesus did with Andrew and John, “Come and see”.

Come and see for yourself. If you come, and I want you to come, you will see. Philip knows that coming into contact with Jesus is life transforming. Why would you not bring your friend to Jesus? He is the one who has not only the persuasive words, but the power to change you! Philip doesn’t sit and debate with Nathaniel’s tinge of skepticism. He brings Him to Jesus. Another lesson here for us. There is a time and place for discussing skeptical questions, but we need to bring them to Jesus, to the gospel. They need to hear Christ! Where is He but in the faithful preaching of the Word(Eph 2) “He came and preached peace to you”. This is Paul speaking of the risen and ascended Lord Jesus. Jesus is not an inactive Lord! He still speaks today. “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts……” “Come and see, come and hear Jesus!”

Verse 47 Read

First, what is the tone of Jesus statement. Again, there are various takes. I believe His statement is genuine, truthful, sincere. I believe that’s the case because of Nathaniels response. How do you know me? You’ve gotten my character, how? Did someone tell you.

Jesus, statement is complementary of Nathaniels character.

As we come to the end of Chapter 1, Jesus continues to gather disciples to himself. It culminates with Jesus statement about the heavens being broke open and staying open in Him and in His ministry. We can say with the writer to the Hebrews, that God is going to speak to us in His Son, and in an ultimate way, in a climactic way. Such that no further word from heaven will be needed as this Word is still speaking today. Wherever the gospel is proclaimed and believed on, there it is.

Jesus sees Nathaniel coming from far off an says, an:

“Israelite”

Positive connotations. While Jews has with it negative connotations, Israelite is the opposite. No guile. No pretense

Jews have their minds made up about Messiah and won’t let anything(even God in the flesh) change their minds about their misgivings and misunderstandings. While Nathaniel has no deceit. Nothing hidden. No deceit doesn’t mean to be without sin. Rather, it means that one does not hide their sins. Nor the intentions of their heart.

Look at Psalm 32. Nathaniel is the man of Psalm 32. He had put His trust in the Lord free forgiveness. Was justified. Looking for the Messiah. He is an Old Testament saint like unto Simeon.

Verse 48.

How do you know me?

Jesus once again pierces through Nathaniel with a divine look just as he had done with Peter. I saw you when you were meditating about the Messiah under the fig tree. I suppose one day we’ll know what those thoughts and meditations were exactly. But, for now, we are content to know that fig trees were a place of meditation on the OT. A place were Rabbi’s would teach disciples. We can assert, however, from Nathaniels response that it was about God’s Messianic Son and King. We can’t help but think that he might have been meditating on Psalm 2.

What a blessed thought to know that our Lord Jesus sees our meditations about Him. That’s really a communing with Him that I believe He loves and invites us to. He sees us in our thoughts about Him! Nathaniel is meditating about the first coming, would Jesus see you meditating about His second coming. Longing and preparing for it! Things for all of us to consider. Do we have time to sit under the fig tree, or are we too busy?

Verse 49.

This confession is in stark contrast to the earlier skepticism. A doubting question followed by an honorific title and 2 Messianic titles.

This confession is very much proleptic, meaning it looks to a greater filling out of the confession. Nathaniel does not make the confession with the understanding that Peter does in Matt 16, nor in the sense that the disciples will later on in Acts. Nevertheless, this is a mighty and accurate confession. He is the eternal Son of God, God’s true, natural and faithful covenant Son, and He is the King of Israel. He is the King who’s reign will be everlasting, and universal. And not according to their current perception.

Verse 50 Read.

John 4:48 “So Jesus said to him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe.””

This is not the kind of faith Jesus is describing here. He commends it but there is greater things to see by which his faith will increase.

You here people say, if only Jesus were here walking in front of us, we’d believe. They wouldn’t! The sight that Nathaniel is going to have is Spiritual. Insight into the significance of His person and work. Next time someone says that to you say, what if you heard Jesus speaking today………… Faith comes by hearing….…Ultimately, what we’re seeing here is the Biblical saving faith of trusting and resting in God’s promises in Christ. Receiving Him. Embracing the good news about Him.

“Greater than”

It is meant to compare. “You thought that my knowledge of your physical and spiritual condition was great. I promise you, you will see greater things than this in me!”

You’re going to see 4000 years of God’s promises and dealings with His people summed up in my words and works over the course of 3 years. You are going to see glorious things in me!

And Nathaniel serves as a model for the Spiritual sight of every Christian. Our believing, our initial “seeing” is only the beginning. We as well as Nathaniel are to see greater and greater things in our Savior! We are to long to gaze on His beauty. His person and work has been put on full display before us in the gospels, explained in the epistles and promised to be consummated in the future. And as we’ve mentioned, we have a key to look back through our Old Testaments and unlock those doors were we see beauties of the glories foretold. The beauty that our forefathers longed to see, and know. Do we pursue these greater things. These greater visions of Christ? And will your hearts burn when Jesus himself gives you those glimpses.

Think about your experience as a Christian. Immediately you were struck by the reality that your sins are forgiven. And then you grow in your understanding of specific other gospel truths such as justification, sanctification, assurance of salvation. And once you have walked with the Lord for some years, you begin to see that all along, you’ve been brought into communion with the triune God. He has been with you and sanctifying you in all your trials and prosperity. You come to realize that even here and now, you’ve been experiencing eternal life, and that there is a day coming when that communion, that life, will be perfected in a glorious vision of Jesus and eternal state. Greater things we have seen and will see yet!

Verse 51 Read

Again Jesus divine authority is on display. “Truly” was used to confirm the truthfulness of someone else words. Jesus does this with His own statement. Implying that He has the right and authority to make this statement about Himself. Listen to Klink:

It would be uttered by a person who stands before God, speaking things only God can affirm or bring to pass. The fact that Jesus prefaces his own statements in this way implies that Jesus identifies himself with the words and with the God to whom he appeals? As Ladd explains, "Jesus's usage is without analogy because in his person and words the Kingdom of God manifested its presence and authority. Since Jesus is the Word, his statements are by definition "the word of the Lord."

“Listen up, God is about to speak to you.”

“You will see”

Plural. The disciples. You the reader and listener. This is an invitation to the signs of the next 11 chapters, the upper room and to the passion and ascension.

This is God speaking about the nature of how he will reveal himself going forward. I spoke then in dreams and visions, in many ways and portions, but now, I will open heaven to you in Jesus, I will speak to you in Son. My eternal Word in the flesh. My Son “IS” the heaven opened to you. His work and Words are my words from heaven to you. My love to you, my promises to you, my faithfulness to you, my mercy, my justice, my wisdom, my glory! The Father is saying you will actually see me in my Son! No one can see me and live, but you will see me in my Son!

Show us the Father? Philip’s question almost seems laughable now. Philip have “I” been with you so long and you say to “Me” show us the Father. Whoever has seen “Me” has seen the Father.”

The reference is to Jacobs dream.

Jacob has just stolen the blessing form Esau and now Esau is going to kill him. Jacob needs to know that he’s not going to die. Is your covenant faithfulness going to go before me? God gives him that in the vision which some have suggested is a vision of Christ. Whatever that would be I’m not going to comment on. But the point is that God assures Him of His faithfulness to His covenant and His presence with Him.

Jacob saw dimly these things in a dream! This isn’t a dream! The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. And we have seen His glory, glory as of the only begotten of the Father.

How does this carry over to us. God’s declaration of His faithfulness to Jacob is in a vision, to the disciples it is in a person the Word become flesh, and for us, it is the Word become flesh, lived, died resurrected and passed into the heaven itself. Seated in victory. Reigning and ruling, one day to come again with glory to judge the living and the dead!

Even as we are gathered here in the preaching of the Word heaven is opened. Jesus is here. The Lamb who takes away your sins and gives you his Spirit. Forgiveness, cleansing, renewal, all found in Him and Him alone. No dreams and visions, no types and shadow, but the substance Himself. No signs or wonders, but the greater spiritual realities.

May the Lord go with us in the weeks ahead and grant us great glimpses of His glory in Christ as we see His glory displayed in His wondrous words and works. May He increase our love and faith and hope through these things.

Amen.