Humble Beginnings
In John 1, after Jesus’s baptism, he calls his first disciples to follow him in carrying out his mission. Some of the disciples called their brothers to join Jesus once they learnt about him. One such disciple was Phillip, who Jesus called and he called his brother Nathaniel. Nathaniel’s response was not a favourable one as he questioned whether or not anything good could come from Nazareth (John 1:43-46).
In this case Nathaniel did not even acknowledge Jesus as the person to whom Phillip referred. But reducing his significance, referred to him as a thing. To Nathaniel’s surprise, the next day when he does meet Jesus, he made reference to distinguishing characteristics about Nathaniel. He goes further to share that he perceived in his spirit, the conversation which Nathaniel had with Phillip and where he had this conversation. “Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel””(John 1:49)!
Jesus does not allow Nathaniel to get away with the statement he made before, but calls him out on his scepticism. “Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these””(John 1:50). Some people hold fast to the notion of, “seeing is believing,” and are so doubtful and cynical that it’s off putting.
It’s one thing to be doubtful, but Nathaniel’s remarks were borderline derogatory and discriminatory. We do not have the right to look down on other people, because of their place of birth or origin. No one determines where they are born, or other characteristics such as nationality, race or even our families of origin. God allowed Jesus to be born in a manger, in a town of no significance, to parents without much notoriety to teach us a lesson in humility.
Your beginning does not determine your ending and God can do great things with small beginnings. “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are” (1 Corinthians 1:27-29).
Published by Anneta Pinto-Young
I am a trained Social Worker who currently provides professional leadership on a programme to support Social Work students and Newly Qualified Social Workers entering the Social Work Profession.
Born and raised in Jamaica in a Christian family where my father is an ordained Pastor and Deacon who has served for over 50 years in the ministry. My father is also a trained musician and our family can be described as a musical family. I grew up in a small farming community in St. Peter’s, St. Andrew and my parents also have a small farm.
I credit my gift of writing to my father who I watched and listened to over the years as he wrote sermons, poems and other recitals in his capacity in ministry. English has always been an easy subject for me and over the years I have developed an increased interest in writing.
I am a Trainer, I sing and have a passion for worship, the spoken word and the free flow of the prophetic anointing. I am married to my best friend Andrew Christopher Young who is an advanced Musician and whose music you can find on YouTube and Facebook. I am a trained Coach and Mentor and I love experimenting with food so I love cooking. I enjoy trying cultural dishes from across the world and I view food as an entry into cultures and languages.
View all posts by Anneta Pinto-Young
Published
January 16, 2021January 17, 2021
