What Jesus Did! 'How Do You Know Me?' — John 1:47-49

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

As [Philip and Nathanael] approached, Jesus said, "Now here is a genuine son of Israel — a man of complete integrity."

"How do you know about me?" Nathanael asked.

Jesus replied, "I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you."

Then Nathanael exclaimed, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God — the King of Israel!"

— John 1:47-49 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus knows us. That's because he really knows what's in our human hearts. That's because he walked among people just like us. That's because he made us and knows our inner being. And, if we are Christians, that's because he lives inside us now. Jesus, however, doesn't want to know us to condemn us. No, he knows us to help bring about our best, our holiest, and our most beneficial selves. So let's not hide from him. Instead, let's confess him as our Lord, Savior, Friend, and Teacher. Let's invite the Son of God into our hearts and our lives to make us all that God wants us to be. After all, he left heaven's glory and suffered the indignities of the cross to redeem us!

Today's Prayer

O precious and righteous Father, forgive me for my sin. Search me and purify me from sin, even the sin that I mistakenly may think is secret. Redeem my heart and purify my desires. I not only confess that Jesus is your Son, but I also want him to transform my life, so I make this request in his name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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1 Related Resource by Heartlight

Beyond Description
Article by Phil Ware
The beloved disciple wants us to know and love Jesus like he does! Phil Ware looks at the gospel of John chapter 1 and reflects on all the titles, names, and descriptions given to Jesus in this one chapter and what it really means for us.

Illustration

Illustration of John 1:47-49 NLT — "Rabbi, you are the Son of God — the King of Israel!"

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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