Jesus With Us: Live Like Jesus, Love Like JesusSample

Meeting Us Where We Are

All of us have moments of skepticism. Doubt is one way of protecting ourselves. And, whether we recognize it or not, we all carry prejudice from our experiences and upbringing into our interactions. In this passage from John 1, Nathanael was no different. When he heard that Jesus had come from Nazareth, he immediately dismissed Him. “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46, NIV). What a human reaction!

Jesus knew Nathanael had scoffed at the idea of His being the Messiah, but He used that as a connection point instead of writing him off. Jesus leaned into the relationship when many of us would have cut our losses and moved on. Only after Jesus told Nathanael things about himself that nobody else could have known did Nathanael begin to believe.

Jesus knows exactly who you are, where you come from, and how you ended up where you are now. He has compassion and understanding for your circumstances. He wants to help you overcome your doubts about Him because He has a purpose for your life. You just have to let Him meet with you.

How do you tend to react to new voices or new ideas?

What do you remember about your first encounter with Jesus?

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your Grace. You know everything about me—my strengths and my shortcomings—and You still want to meet me where I am. You still have a purpose and a plan for my life. Help me to glorify You as I follow You daily. In Your Name, Amen.