“FROM ONE SAINT TO ANOTHER”
John 1:43-51

The title given to this particular Sunday, the Feast of St. Bartholomew might be a bit confusing inasmuch as there is no mention of the name Bartholomew in today's Gospel reading. You will, however, find that name, Bartholomew, mentioned in the Gospels according to Matthew, Mark, and Luke; but not in John. For John prefers to call Bartholomew by his other name—the name, ‘Nathanael.'

There were a few disciples who were known by two names. Simon, most notably, was also called Peter. Thomas was sometimes referred to as Didymus. Matthew was also known by the name Levi.

And, oftentimes in the Gospels, the names of some particular disciples are found paired together. Peter and Andrew, for instance, are often mentioned in tandem because they were brothers. James and John are another example of the same. Well, Bartholomew's name is usually found right along side that of Philip—and for good reason. For, in today's Gospel reading, it is the disciple Philip who first invites Nathanael—otherwise known as Bartholomew—to meet the Savior, Jesus.

If your name was to be paired with that of someone else, in a spiritual way, who might that other person be? Who has had the most effect over your Christian life? Perhaps it was your spouse who, more than anyone, was responsible for shaping and influencing your Christian beliefs. Or, maybe it was one particular parent. For others, it might have been a friend who was there to be with you in a very difficult time. Or for others, it may have been their pastor.

Chances are, we can all think of individuals in our lives who have had a profound impact our on Christian walk today. And we thank God for those people and would be proud, in the best sense of the word, to have our names associated with theirs.

But, now the question is, who would be blessed to have your name linked with theirs, citing you as the one who has had the most positive influence over their Christian life? Would there, in fact, be anyone out there today that could, like Bartholomew, look at you as being their Philip—as the one who was responsible for leading them to the faith?

What a sad thing it would be if any of us passed through this entire life without having made an eternal difference in the life of at least one other person.

But, even now, we might be saying to ourselves—but just how does one go about doing that? The thought of witnessing, of evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is a terrifying thing to a number of Christians. They're afraid that they might say the wrong thing, or stumble over their words, or, perhaps, be mocked for sharing their love for Christ.

And, if it's any consequence, those are not imaginary concerns. Today's text is a case in point. Just look how Nathanael responded to Philip's announcement that he had found the Messiah . "Can anything good come out of Nazareth ?" he said.

It was meant to be a sarcastic slur. Nazareth was not noted as being a happening place. Nazareth was thought to lie on the other side of the tracks, so to speak.

So, understand what had just taken place. Philip had just shared the most reverent, holy, exciting, spiritual news of all— "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth , the son of Joseph," and Nathanael's response was pure skepticism.

To which, Philip could only reply, "Come and see." And He led him to meet Jesus.

Now, there's something for us to learn here—and it's partly about what Philip didn't do. He didn't debate the point with Nathanael. He didn't try to bring up reasonable arguments in order to convince him. Rather, he simply invited Nathanael to meet Christ where He was.

How often haven't we tried to convince people according to our own terms and logic when it comes to spiritual matters. And usually what transpires is that the discussion turns into a religious argument. How much easier and wiser it would be to direct that person's concern to Jesus Himself; in other words, to invite that individual to come and see Christ.

Where do we meet Christ today? Right here, in His house. For this is where Jesus is present in our world today in His Words and in His Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.

There is a tradition that says that when Philip found Nathanael and brought him the good news that Philip had found the Messiah, Nathanael was sitting and reading the Holy Scriptures from the book of Genesis. Recall how the conversation went between Nathanael and Jesus: "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Jesus' statement brings the immediate reply from Nathanael, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel !"

And then, note what Jesus says , "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man. "

It is that latter part that has led some to believe that Nathanael was reading from the book of Genesis, the story about Jacob's dream and the ladder of angels which stretch from heaven to earth. As impressive as that Old Testament account truly is, it cannot begin to compare to what Jesus Himself would accomplish by bridging the gap between heaven and earth on the cross, where His blood would cleanse the whole world of its sin and bring salvation to all mankind as a free gift.

Whether or not that narrative is true, that Nathanael was reading that particular story from the Scriptures while under the fig tree, it does raise a significant point for our lives; and that is, when we open God's Word, not only do we see Christ in the pages of the Bible, but God also sees us. “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart,” (Hebrews 4:12).

Think, then, of what God sees in each and every one of us. We cannot escape the dissecting scrutiny of His Word. And it judges the whole world as being guilty before Him.

But in that same Word there is also hope and promise to be found. Jesus Christ is to be found. And if we want others to enter into that personal relationship with Jesus Christ, then we must finally bring them to the place where Jesus is—right here, where God's Word can expose their hearts and also bring healing to their hearts through the Gospel, Baptism, and the Holy Supper.

People, somewhere along the way, someone did that for you—because they loved you and cared for your spiritual well-being. And, in turn, God has granted you the privilege that God spoke of in today's Old Testament reading—He has made you a “kingdom of priests.” Priests are, by definition, those who intercede for others. You are a royal priesthood—everyone of you. You can make an eternal difference in the life of other people simply be inviting them to come and see Jesus. Invite them here where God can do His powerful work through His mighty Word.

Whatever your name may be, the most important thing is that it be found written in the book of Life. And may God grant, by way of your witness, that your name may be linked to the names of countless other saints as well. For Jesus' sake.

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