Rev. Michelle Manuel 

Scripture:
35 The next day John again was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and as he watched Jesus walk by, he exclaimed, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. It was about four o’clock in the afternoon. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated Anointed). 42 He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You are to be called Cephas” (which is translated Peter).

Reflection:
Can anything good come out of Nazareth? This was the first thing that Nathaniel says when Philip tells him they have found the Savior of all of creation- the One who everyone has been waiting for since the time of Moses- the one who was prophesied to come out of Nazareth some 600 years prior to that moment- the Word that has poured itself out and become flesh. Emmanuel, God with us. This is his knee-jerk reaction. I can see him squinting his eyes and furrowing his brow in skepticism. Now, sitting on this side of the resurrection it’s easy for us to look down on Nathaniel in his moment of honesty. However, it’s this question, this bit of pushback that signals to the reader just what a miracle is about to unfold. Jesus, the Christ, is about to invite Nathaniel (and others) to follow him as his disciple. 

Can anything good come out of Nazareth? A similar question has been echoing in my heart- can anything good come out of 2020? My knee jerk reaction is, “No. Let’s just all move on to 2021.” In fact, in some moments if someone was to come to say to me at any point this year, “Come and see! We’ve found some really good stuff over here.” I may have put on a happy face, but in my heart, I would have furrowed my brow and squinted my eyes and thought, “Really? Can anything good come out of 2020?” Maybe you’ve found yourself in a similar place having suffered disorder, grief, loss, isolation, financial hardship, and more. Notice that Nathaniel doesn’t ask this question and get back to his work. He doesn’t say, “No thanks, bro. I’ve got my work cut out for me here.” Instead, he walks forward in this strange form of skeptical faith that indeed the Christ might be here.

Nathaniel was on the threshold of the greatest adventure of his life, arguably of all time. It was one of great insight, education, surprise, rejection, danger, death, and eventually he will witness the greatest act of love we will ever know. Those who were present would watch their beloved Lord breathe his last and would ask a similar question: Can anything good come from the cross? 

Can anything good come out of 2020? We may need to be extra intentional and reflect. Maybe you already know some amazing events that transpired, maybe you’re still searching. Maybe all you can do at this moment is ask the question with empty hands. The goodness may be a tiny seed in the ground that will yield fruit we can only see in 2021. The goodness may have been a pruning, a reducing, an emptying. As we prepare our hearts for the new year, take time to reflect. Maybe a gratitude list made in private or with others will help. Because we sit on this side of the resurrection, we know that answer to Nathaniel’s question because it’s the same answer that comes to us when we ask, “Can anything good come out of 2020?”

Prayer:
Jesus,
It’s been a year with too much impact to name. I confess to you the hurts, doubts, and things I want to leave in 2020. (Name then aloud now). Jesus, I am grateful for the ways I’ve seen you move in 2020. (Name them here.) Thank you for the lessons you’ve taught me this year. (Name them here.) May all the things of 2020 make me more into your disciple who lives with the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 522:23) in my life and those I encounter. Goodness indeed came out of Nazareth and the Cross. Continue to reveal the goodness of 2020 to me and others. Jesus, even now, prepare my heart for you in the coming year that I may be a conduit of your love. Amen.