Gospel | John 1:43-51 (with Jeff Sholar)

About this Episode

Opening Song:
Let Me Not Wander by Jonathan Ogden

Lyrics:
With my whole heart
I have sought You
With my whole heart

Let me not wander from your commandments
Let me not wander from your word

For Your word I’ve hidden in my heart
That I might not sin against you

Blessed are You Lord in all of Your ways
I open up my mouth declare your praise
I will meditate on your word
And I will not forget
I will not forget
Your promises to me

Passage:
43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. He found Philip and told him,“Follow me.”

44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law (and so did the prophets ): Jesus the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

46 “Can anything good come out of Nazareth? ” Nathanael asked him.

“Come and see,” Philip answered.

47 Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him,“Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

48 “How do you know me? ” Nathanael asked.

“Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you,” Jesus answered.

49 “Rabbi,” Nathanael replied, “You are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel! ”

50 Jesus responded to him, “Do you believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 Then he said, “Truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” -- John 1:43-51 (CSB)

Musical Reflection:
Children of the Heavenly Father (TRYGGARE KAN INGEN VARA), trad. Swedish folk song

Reflection Notes:
Lina Sandell-Berg purportedly wrote the lyrics for this hymn after witnessing her father’s untimely death in a boating accident. Her text focuses on our heavenly Father, who will never leave us or forsake us, in life or in death. The tune originates from a 19th-century Swedish folk song, its sweet fluidity well-suited for the words of comfort.

Prayer:
This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do it gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.