Encounters with Jesus can change everything in a person’s life. In this week’s Gospel (John 1.47-51), we have just such a life-changing encounter between Nathanael and Jesus.
Earlier in the Chapter, Nathanael is totally unimpressed when he hears about this Jesus from Nazareth: “‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’” he asks sarcastically. And yet, seconds after meeting Jesus, he is proclaiming him to be “the Son of God…. the King of Israel!’”
We know that this encounter changed everything for Nathanael. He became one of Jesus’ disciples and John describes him as a witness to Jesus’ Glory after the Resurrection.
In the same way, Jesus is waiting to encounter all of us and to change everything for us. As a new Team Vicar here in Great Yarmouth I can attest to this. There was a time in my life when I would have been as sceptical as Nathanael. And then Jesus called me to be his disciple. And then a priest in his Church. And then he led me here.
So let us all be ready to meet Jesus afresh and to respond to his call. Let us be open to his transforming power in our lives. And let us be ready to go wherever he leads us.
Revd Richard
