John 1:45-51

Read John 1:45-51

Helpful Background Information: 

• In Hagar’s story, we see that God looked down from heaven with compassion on a vulnerable Egyptian slave in the desert. In response, Hagar identifies Him as ‘the God who sees’ (Genesis 16:13). 

• In the beginnings of John’s Gospel, we’re told that Jesus came to reveal God personally (John 1:14-18). At the end of the first chapter, we see a great example of the consistency in God’s character, as Jesus meets Nathanael’s skepticism with words that prove His ability to see differently. 

• For both Hagar and Nathanael, the realization that God saw them when they thought they were completely alone truly changed everything. Both then and now, our God is the God who sees.
  

Reflection Questions: 

• Hagar and Nathanael both discovered that God saw them before they fully recognized Him. How does that truth shape the way you think about God's involvement in your own life?

• Many people feel overlooked, forgotten, or invisible. How can God's heart for Hagar and Nathanael shape the way you notice and care for others?

• Jesus sees every part of us, yet still invites us to follow Him. How does the gospel give you confidence to be fully known by God without fear of rejection?