By The Rev. Dr. Paul A. Leggett
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Sermon Text: John 1:43-51
Sermon Theme
Nathanael has received incredibly good news. He has been told that the one prophesized by Moses and the prophets is present in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. Nathanael does not welcome this news. He actually is quite skeptical. He asks the mocking question, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” We don’t know his personal circumstances, but certainly the situation of Israel under Herod and the Romans could cause great discouragement. It is only when Jesus addresses him personally that he can believe. Following the success of the Selma, Alabama, march, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. preached on the problem of grief and discouragement which prevents people from receiving joyful news. We need to overcome the grief and sorrow we often face to realize that Jesus is always with us.
Sermon Outline
- Sorrow. Jesus comes to Israel in a time of desperation and sorrow. Pilate, the governor of Judea, was ruthless and inflexible. Hopes for a political messiah were widespread. When Philip finds Nathanael and tells him, in effect, that the Messiah has appeared in Nazareth, Nathanael essentially says, “You’ve got to be kidding.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw that many African-Americans still struggled with grief and sorrow in spite of the successes of the Civil Rights movement. Grief and sorrow can pull us down even in moments when we should be joyful.
- See. How can Philip convince Nathanael that this is not another empty dream? In the face of Nathaniel’s cynicism, all he can say is, “Come and see.” In 1965, Dr. King told his congregation that they had to stare daringly at grief, shame and failure. These had to be faced directly to realize that beyond them lay “the promises of God.” If Nathanael had acted only on his skepticism, he would never have gone with Philip. Nathanael did not remain stuck in his grief. He moved forward, looking to see Jesus. We also have to continue in faith in spite of our grief and disappointment.
- Surprise. Nathanael is surprised that Jesus seems to know him without ever having met him. He asks, “Where did you get to know me?” Jesus proceeds to tell Nathanael that he has already been with him. He tells Nathanael he saw him under the fig tree. This little bit of information is enough to change Nathanael’s whole outlook. He responds in faith to Jesus. Jesus refers back to the ladder in Joseph’s dream in the Old Testament. Jesus has been with his people throughout history, especially in their most difficult times. Dr. King reminded his congregation that God was present with them in their grief and sorrow. He concluded his sermon with the famous expression, “I’ve been to the mountaintop now.” Three years later, he would quote the same line in another sermon the night before he was assassinated. At that time, people were once again confronted with grief and sorrow. In the 1960’s, the idea of an African-American president would have been unthinkable. God’s justice, love and mercy continues to be revealed in Jesus Christ, not only in our lives, but in our world, in spite of its sorrow and disappointment. Jesus will not leave us until he has fulfilled all his promises for us.
Questions for Us
- How do we respond to suffering and disappointment? Why is it that we assume so often that God will spare us from suffering?
- What are some of the ways that we get “stuck” in grief and disappointment? How is Nathanael’s willingness to go with Philip in spite of his doubts an example for us? Can you think of times when you kept going in faith in spite of doubt and suffering? What lessons did you learn at such times?
- Nathanael had no idea that Jesus had been watching him all along. What are some of the ways we have recognized Christ being present with us in surprising ways? How have we seen suffering contribute to fulfilling God’s plans for us? How can we maintain joy and confidence in the face of grief?
