Just come and see for yourself
“Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the Messiah—the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth.’ ‘Nazareth!’ exclaimed Nathanael. ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ ‘Come and see for yourself,’ Philip replied. As they approached, Jesus said, ‘Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.’ ‘How do you know about me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, ‘I saw you under the fig tree before Philip found you.’ Then Nathanael exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!’ Jesus asked him, ‘Do you believe this just because I told you I had seen you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.’” (NLT) John 1:45-50
From this passage, I greatly admire Philip for his eagerness to share the Good News with Nathanael. Often, when we encounter something good, we forget to share it with others, including those closest to us—our family and loved ones. Philip, however, didn’t keep Jesus to himself. He immediately sought out Nathanael and brought him to the Messiah.
Reflecting on 2024, we may realize that we missed opportunities to share Jesus with those around us. But the past is behind us, and God, in His mercy, forgives our ignorance. As we step into 2025, a new year brings a fresh opportunity to correct our mistakes and be intentional in sharing the Good News.
We are highly privileged to see this amazing year. It’s not by our strength but by God’s grace. Many of us endured challenges in 2024—things may not have gone the way we hoped. Now, as we face 2025, we might feel uncertain about what lies ahead. But remember, while our past may shape us, it does not define our future. Lamenting over the past can grieve the Holy Spirit within us (Ephesians 4:29-32). Let us move forward with hope.
In 2025, you may be asking, “Can anything good come my way?” Just as Philip invited Nathanael, I invite you to “come and see”. Come and see the Messiah that the prophets spoke about (Isaiah 9:6). The one who fed 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish—and still had twelve baskets left over (John 6:1-14). The one who gave His life so we could be called children of God (John 3:16-17; 1 John 3:1). The one who walked on water (Mark 6:45-52), healed diseases (John 9), calmed storms (Mark 4:35-40), and showed us the unfailing love of the Father (Romans 8).
Dear child of God, this is the God we serve. His power and greatness cannot be fully expressed on paper. Come and see in 2025, and you will experience His love and power in your life. No matter your struggles, take this journey with Jesus. Surrender everything to Him, and by the end of the year, you too will hear Him say: “Here comes an honest man—a true son of Israel.”
If you have not yet committed your life to Christ, it’s not too late. Today is your opportunity for salvation. Repent and trust in Jesus. He is trustworthy, He holds the future, and He knows everything before it happens. I came and saw for myself. Now it’s your turn—come and see!