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TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.” John 1:47-49

Read: John 1:35-51
Listen: John 1

TODAY’S MESSAGE

The Gospels tell us Jesus fully sees people, just as God saw Hagar. In his Gospel, John gives the scope of what Jesus sees in how he called the 12 disciples to follow him. Over and over, “Jesus saw” or “looked” as he invites people to follow him. Nathaniel isn’t sure about Jesus until Jesus tells Nathanial he saw him under a tree before he was invited to come. When Jesus sees people, he sees deep into the heart and soul because he is God.

We can confidently know God sees us. It’s who God is. Jesus sees us, wants us and reaches out to us. Our part is to respond. The disciples respond by deciding to follow him and learn. Hagar responds by obeying and calling out, “You are the God who sees me.” We respond by following, learning and obeying what God tells us to do in the Bible.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

When at a breaking point, it can be hard to feel like God sees us. But God might be reaching out through the words of a song, a gracious waitress, a Bible verse, or a beautiful sunset. We can develop a habit of looking for the God who sees us. Ask God to help you recognize that he sees you, and then respond with a grateful heart.

2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.

September is COMMUNITY. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.

Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.