The story begins with a clear statement that Jesus "found Philip and said to him, 'Follow me.'" I hope we hear this as affirmation that Jesus seeks us out - comes looking for us - and does "find" us.
It is important that we have such an affirmation. When we are lost and alone, when we are confused and distressed, we need the confidence that we will not be left to our own strength. Jesus comes looking and finds us.
But in the events of John 1, there is a response and and interplay.
Philip then goes and locates Nathanael and says to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote." The one who is found seems to have also been looking.
My piety resides in being found. I could never have approached God had God not moved me. But I do read in this story and other places in scripture of how a quest for God is likely to lead us to the places where Jesus can find us. So, from these stories I gain the encouragement to search and seek.
We are found by God. God comes to us. Having been found, we surely respond by looking for other expressions of God's presence. There is an interplay here - one which encourages us to open our bibles and visit God's house.
Jesus promises Nathanael that he will see wonderful things. Such things are seen, by those who follow the gaze of Jesus and learn from him what to look for and were to look to.
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