Our oldest son is graduating from high school this year. Like all other parents who approach this milestone, there is a lot of reflection. In our case, an abundance of digital pictures has allowed us to easily reflect on his growth over the last 18 years. As expected, he has grown physically, mentally, and emotionally.

As followers of Jesus, we should all be growing spiritually. Although this will look different for each of us, Nathanael is an early disciple with a lesson to teach us. When he was first told of Jesus, Nathanael sarcastically replies “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) Were you skeptical or slow to believe the first time you heard of Jesus? Thankfully, Jesus does not give up on skeptics.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no

deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you,

when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You

are the King of Israel!” (John 1:47-49)

Nathanael quickly changed from skeptic to believer when he encountered the grace and knowledge of Jesus. Jesus showed him grace as He complimented him, even though Nathanael’s comment about anyone from Nazareth was an insult. Jesus displayed His knowledge by sharing information only God could know. Upon this encounter, Nathanael transformed into a worshipper and follower of Jesus.

Not every change in our life will be this drastic. Sometimes, growth is slow like that of a newborn becoming a young man. Other times, it will be dramatic as God overcomes a significant obstacle to our faith. In every case, we change by encountering Jesus. His grace changes us. His love transforms us. His patience helps us persevere. His power gives us strength.

As we begin a new year, make sure you are prioritizing time with God. This should be with the larger church

gathering, in your small group, and personally. Make church attendance a priority. Commit to being involved in a

community group. Set up rhythms in your life so you have time for Bible study, prayer, and meditating on Scripture. If we all do that, I am confident these words will be true of each of us:

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image

from one degree of glory to another. (2 Corinthians 3:18)



Let’s commit to growing together until we meet our graduation day.

By Philip Jones

Philip and his wife Stacy have been attending Immanuel since 2015. They are blessed to be raising four kids. His

passion in ministry is to help others follow Jesus through teaching, preaching, and personal discipleship.

Your Daily Missions Moment:

Is your group looking for a way to volunteer, go to our website to discover ways your group can help:  https://www.ibc.family/localmissions