Believe To See

Sermon: Begin With Amen

When we first meet Nathanael in John's Gospel, he's about to have an encounter with Jesus that will change his life. But before he can see who Jesus really is, he has to let go of what he thinks he already knows.

One day, Nathanael's friend Philip comes to him with incredible news:

"We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." (John 1:45)

Immediately, Nathanael has doubts. But not about Moses, the Law, or the Prophets. Not even about Joseph and his lineage. No, Nathanael’s got only one question:

"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?" (John 1:46)

Nathanael has a negative interpretation of Jesus based on his background. He doubted that Jesus had anything to offer him because of where He came from. He’s essentially saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

Don’t we do the same thing sometimes?

"I'll believe God is my healer when I see the healing."

"I'll believe He's my provider when I see the provision."

“I’ll believe He’s the Prince of Peace when I stop feeling so anxious.”

"I'll believe He's with me when I stop feeling alone."

We want to see before we believe. But Jesus’ Kingdom doesn’t work like that. If you’re determined to see before you believe, you might miss God completely.

Instead, Jesus invites us to believe it to see it.

Later, in John 11:40, Jesus asks, "Did I not tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?"

What you believe shapes what you see. If you don’t believe God is a provider, you’ll miss the provision. But when you believe He’s a provider, it opens your eyes to see provision that you were walking past before.

Maybe the greatest obstacle to seeing God isn't your circumstances. Maybe it's the interpretation you've attached to them.

Where have your assumptions been limiting your vision?

Just like Nathanael, you don't have to have every answer before you take the next step. You don't have to figure it out before you follow. Jesus' invitation hasn't changed:

“Come and see.”

Where is doubt keeping you from seeing what God wants to show you?

This devotional is based on the sermon series See King Jesus. You can watch all four sermons here.