— Cory Collins presented this message at the MoMENtum Men’s Conference in Oklahoma City on March 26, 2022.
“Come and see!” Philip’s invitation to Nathanael in John 1:46 is the urgent cry of today for every man who yearns for “MoMENtum” – the energy and passion to live every day for Jesus Christ and to be godly and faithful in our hearts, our homes, our congregations, and our workplaces. Seeing is believing. Believing changes everything. As men of God, we must hear afresh the words Philip spoke to Nathanael in John 1:46 about Jesus: “Come and see!” The more resolutely we turn our eyes upon Jesus, the stronger our faith, our character, our influence, and our leadership will become. In this session we will ask, “How can you tell that a man has seen Jesus? What are the Savior’s qualities that call for closer attention? What things may distract or divert our eyes away from Him, and what are the results? How does it impact the family, the church, and the workplace, when a man responds to the call to “Come and see?”
Years ago, the Broadway musical “Godspell” included a song entitled “Day By Day.” The lyrics fit the theme of this presentation. “Day by day, Day by day, Oh dear Lord, Three things I pray: To see thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, Day by day.” Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak.
Greek εἶδον over 340 times in the NT, at least 35 times just in John.
Love to preach from the gospels! Not just the people who decided to follow Jesus … But the Jesus whom people decided to follow.
John 1:46 (John 1:29-51)
1:29 First John himself saw. Then wanted everyone else to see.
Behold! Don’t you dare miss this! Not distracted, but focused!
Jesus as the Lamb of God, the sin bearer.
Jesus as the preeminent one, first in all things, ahead of me in every sense. Higher rank, existed before me. All the spotlight, all the honor and credit. Therefore, humility.
34 I have seen, and I have testified. That’s the way it happens!
36 Tells two others: Behold!
The two heard and followed Jesus.
One is Andrew, Simon’s brother. Other (unnamed) – John the beloved.
38 He asked them, “What are you looking for?” That’s the question!
Having heard of Jesus, they want to see Him for themselves.
Rabbi – my great one, rabbah, >>> teacher.
“Where are You staying?” “Come and see.” All day with Jesus.
Andrew, having seen Jesus, brings Simon his brother. Cephas / Peter.
43 Jesus finds and calls Philip Himself. Follow Me.
Philip tells Nathanael. Nazareth? Come and see.
Jesus also saw Nathanael. Knew him, and described him.
Nathanael, impressed, identified Jesus. Son of God. King of Israel.
Jn 1:50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Referring back to Jacob in Gen 28:10-12.
Ge 28:10 Then Jacob departed from Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 He came to a certain place and spent the night there, because the sun had set; and he took one of the stones of the place and put it under his head, and lay down in that place. 12 He had a dream, and behold, a ladder was set on the earth with its top reaching to heaven; and behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.
But now it’s not a ladder, but Jesus Himself, on whom the angels ascend and descend. He is the conduit, the avenue, the connecting link between heaven and earth. He brought God to man, and He brings man to God.
“Son of Man” – Jesus’ designation as Messiah –Daniel’s vision.
Da 7:13 “I kept looking in the night visions, And behold, with the clouds of heaven One like a Son of Man was coming, And He came up to the Ancient of Days And was presented before Him. 14 “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
Point: Jesus as Messiah or Son of Man, connecting heaven and earth.
Think of the many instances of people seeing Jesus.
Jn 4:29 “Come, see a man who told me all the things that I have done; this is not the Christ, is it?”
Jn 4:42 and they were saying to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.”
Jn 6:1 After these things Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (or Tiberias). 2 A large crowd followed Him, because they saw the signs which He was performing on those who were sick.
Jn 6:19 Then, when they had rowed about three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the boat; and they were frightened.
Jn 6:24 So when the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they themselves got into the small boats, and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.
Jn 9:39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” 40 Those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things and said to Him, “We are not blind too, are we?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.
Jn 7:11 So the Jews were seeking Him at the feast and were saying, “Where is He?”
Jn 11:55 Now the Passover of the Jews was near, and many went up to Jerusalem out of the country before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 So they were seeking for Jesus, and were saying to one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think; that He will not come to the feast at all?”
Jn 12:9 The large crowd of the Jews then learned that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead.
Jn 12:20 Now there were some Greeks among those who were going up to worship at the feast; 21 these then came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and began to ask him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip came and told Jesus.
Luke 19:1-10 Zacchaeus
Mk 1:36 Simon and his companions searched for Him; 37 they found Him, and said to Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
Mt 28:6 “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
Acts 9 – Saul of Tarsus
Rev 1 – John in exile
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The Strangest Miracle Jesus Ever Performed, Mark 8:22-26
In Bethsaida they bring a blind man, begging Jesus to touch him.
Bethsaida, which means “house of fishing” in Hebrew, was located on the northeast shore of the Sea of Galilee, where the Jordan River flows into it. Home of Simon Peter, Andrew, and Philip (John 1:44; 12:21).
5000 fed here. Luke 9:10-17
Among the towns that rejected Jesus and were cursed for their unbelief. Matt 11:21-22; Luke 10:13-14
The House of the Fisherman in Bethsaida (archaeology)
Jesus’ touch: Matt 9:21; 14:36; Mark 1:41; 3:10; 6:56
It seems so odd! Jesus takes him outside the village. Why? For privacy? Spits on man’s eyes. Lays hands on him (cf. John 9:6). Jesus asks the man: “Do you see anything?” Why would He ask? Would He not know? He seems to want the man to answer.
Partial recovery and blurry vision. He could see people, but they looked like trees walking around. Strange! It was only when Jesus placed His hands on him the second time that his vision became perfectly clear. When he is finally 100% healed, Jesus says, “Don’t tell anyone!”
I first got glasses in fourth grade. Saw leaves on trees, shapes of clouds, stars in the dark sky. First got glasses in 4th grade and saw leaves on trees. Since then, several updated prescriptions. “Better with the first … or with the second?” “Don’t you have a third?”
Typically Jesus’ miracles are instant and complete. This incident is the only recorded exception. Only Mark reports it. The delay must have had a purpose. What was it? No direct explanation is given.
The Second Touch: Why?
Oral Roberts, the fake faith healer, said, “Even Jesus couldn’t always heal on the first try!” WRONG! Of course He could. He typically did. But why not this time?
Surely there was no lack of Jesus’ compassion or power. The man is not blamed for any lack of faith. What was the point?
It makes you wonder … Was this an object lesson for His disciples?
Was there something the Lord wanted His disciples to see?
We tend to read events in the Gospels independently. However, so often the meaning of an event is found in the context. Like bookends or brackets, the scene before and the scene afterward can help us understand the scene in the middle.
Gospels, Part One: Evidence of Jesus’ Identity as the Christ
Jesus’ ministry falls naturally into two stages or phases. Part one (Mark 1-8a; Matt 1-16a; Luke 1-9a) gives evidence of Jesus’ identity as the Christ.
Note the events and evidences in Mark 1-7:
(See also Matt 15:29–16:28; Luke 9:18-27.)
Baptism, temptations, preaching, calling of disciples.
Healings: unclean spirit, leper, paralytic, many more.
Challenging Sabbath tradition.
Promising and picturing God’s Kingdom in parables.
Calming a storm; casting out the “Legion” of demons.
Healing the bleeding woman; raising Jairus’ daughter.
Rejection in Nazareth. John’s death. Feeding 5,000.
Challenging hand-washing and “Corban” traditions.
Sidon: Syrophoenician woman’s daughter.
Decapolis (Ten Towns): deaf-mute; feeding 4000.
Dalmanutha: Pharisees’ demand for a sign.
Healing the blind man at Bethsaida.
Gospels, Hinge: Peter’s Confession
“Who do people / who do you say that I am?” 8:29
“You are the Christ!”
Gospels, Part Two: Explanation of Jesus’ Mission as the Christ
Part two (from Peter’s confession on) then gives the explanation of Jesus’ mission as the Christ. He tells the apostles that He came to be betrayed, arrested, crucified, and raised.
Peter then dares to rebuke Jesus, who in turn rebukes Peter!
Keeping that in mind, let’s return to this strange miracle.
The Second Touch: Why?
Both before and after the recording of this miracle, we see two bookends or brackets. They indicate that the disciples, just like this blind man, needed a “second touch” from Jesus to see Him more clearly. Their vision, their understanding of Jesus, was real but blurry.
The “Blind” Disciples, Part 1
Mark 8:13-21 (just before this strange miracle)
In a boat with only one loaf. Forgot to take enough bread. Oh, no! We’ll miss lunch! And Jesus won’t have anything to eat! He’ll be upset with us!
Jesus’ warning: the “yeast” of the Pharisees!
Oh, no! He mentions “leaven” or “yeast!” He knows we forgot lunch!
Jesus’ Questions: Perception Checks
Mk 8:17 And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? 18 Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?”
Mk 8:19-20 Fed 5,000+, fed 4,000+, with abundant leftovers!
Mk 8:21 And he said to them, “Do you not yet understand?”
Recall Mk 6:52. “Not understood … loaves.”
When Jesus fed the 5,000 … When Jesus fed the 4,000 …
And everyone ate with food left over …
The disciples “saw” but did not perceive or understand.
If Jesus could handle that, He can handle this.
“Having eyes do you not see …?” Mark 8:18
The blind man was an object lesson, a visual aid.
Like the blind man, the disciples needed a “second touch,” in order to bring Jesus into sharper focus.
The “Blind” Disciples, Part 2 (just after this strange miracle)
Mark 8:27-33
HINGE – turning point in all three synoptic gospels.
Caesarea Philippi, where Peter made his confession, was beautifully situated near the springs of the Jordan, at the southern base of Mount Hermon. Formerly called Paneas, it was named after the heathen god Pan, who was worshipped by the Syrian Greeks in the limestone cavern nearby. There Jordan’s fountains bubble forth to light. Its new name was given to it by Philip, tetrarch of Trachonitis, in honor of Caesar Augustus; his own name being appended (Caesarea “of Philip”), to distinguish it from the other town of the same name on the Mediterranean coast. It could boast of a temple of white marble, besides villas and palaces, built by Philip.
“Who do men say – who do you say – that I am?”
This is the question that we must answer today.
Our response to that question determines everything else.
People in general were confused about Jesus. Was He John the Baptist, Elijah, or one of the prophets?
Peter saw somewhat better: “You are the Christ!”
Cf. Matt 16:16-19. “Blessed … not flesh and blood, My Father …”
But Peter strongly rejected what Jesus said next.
He must go to the cross.
Suffering. Rejection. Murder. Resurrection.
Peter rebukes Him. He rebukes Jesus, whom he just confessed!
Question: Does Peter see Jesus? Yes, because … No, because …
He knows His identity, not His intention. His person, not His purpose.
Jesus then rebukes him as “Satan,” not thinking God’s way!
Jesus began (for the first time) to teach them this.
Again, Peter and the others had to “bring Jesus into focus.”
So must we.
“Don’t tell anyone!” (Like the blind man in Mk 8:26!) Why not? Because they need further instruction, further clarity, about the cross.
He then begins to teach … His suffering, rejection, crucifixion.
Does Peter See Jesus Clearly? Do We?
Like Peter, we have confessed Jesus as the Christ, and yet we have so much more to see and to learn. The scenes in the second half of the gospels provide amazing clarity to the image of the Savior we love and draw us to follow Him.
What They – and We – Must See More Clearly – DISCIPLESHIP
Like Peter, you and I have come to believe and confess that Jesus is the Savior. However, Jesus wants us to “bring into focus” the following powerful principles (Mark 8:31-38).
► The Model of Discipleship:
A Crucified Christ – His sacrifice would not mean defeat but victory. We cannot save ourselves. Only His death brings life (Rom. 5:6-11).
Heb 12:1-3
► The Source of Discipleship:
God’s Ways as Opposed to Satan’s Ways – Whatever the devil says is a lie. It takes deliberate effort to think, teach, and pursue the things of God (Luke 2:49).
► The Cost or Cross of Discipleship:
Self-Denial, Cross-Bearing, and Following Jesus.
Self-Denial: Surrender as the Key to Success – It is the servant, not the master, who accomplishes most and imitates the One who came to serve us (Mark 10:35-45).
► The Paradox of Discipleship:
Keepers Lose All; Losers Win All. Finders Weepers; Losers Keepers. The Biggest Profit May be the Biggest Loss.
A Radically Different View of “Profit and Loss” – God’s value system is opposite to ours.
► The Value of Discipleship:
One Soul Worth More than All the World.
Soul psyche = life, the whole person.
The Worth of a Soul Versus the Worth of the World – Every soul, whether yours or that of any lost person you know, is of greater value than all material wealth.
► The Voice of Discipleship:
Fearless Confession in a Wicked Culture.
Fearless Testimony: Commitment and Confession in a Wicked Culture – Confident courage before unbelievers shows that our faith is real.
► The Goal of Discipleship:
No Shame When the Master Returns.
► The Glory of Discipleship:
The Son of Man … the Father with the holy angels.
A Savior Returning in Glory and Judgment – The promise of Jesus’ Coming fills us with joy; it also calls us to believe, obey, and prepare.
Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Helen H. Lemmel
O soul are you weary and troubled
No light in the darkness you see
There’s light for a look at the Savior
And life more abundant and free
His word shall not fail you he promised
Believe him and all will be well
Then go to a world that is dying
His perfect salvation to tell
Turn your eyes upon Jesus
Look full in his wonderful face
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of his glory and grace
In conclusion … “Come and See, then Go and Tell!”
Mt 28:6 “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 “Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”
Very interesting