Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and said to him, "Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him." John 1:47

It seems that every time I read from one of the Gospels, a new detail leaps out at me. They are invariably very specific observations about Jesus and those among whom he moved, details about moments in time that are almost casually offered, but are still profound.

So here comes Nathanael - prompted by Philip's invitation to "come and see" what good could come out of Nazareth - approaching Jesus.  This Jesus who, of course, sizes him up right away, remarking to his friends that here is a man without guile (as other translations say).

What if I were in Nathanael's shoes, approaching Jesus as he waits?  Would I, too, be one without guile?  Or would there be something I would be trying to hide, even from Christ?

Lord Jesus, I am here before you. See me as I am.

Amy Welborn