Then Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said about him,

"Here truly is an Israelite  in whom there is no deceit."

"How do you know me?" Nathanael asked.

John 1:47-48 CSB

How do you, this person from Nazareth, from "there", who I've never heard of, know who I am?

Jesus had a read on Narhaneal's identity and his character that resonated with him, but he still pushed back.

"How do you know me?"

Jesus can't have known those things just from seeing him walk, just from what was visible on the outside.

Jesus seems to be saying:

I see you.

I see what's important to you.

I see what gives you identity.

I see you.

While Nathanael was busy judging Jesus from the external things, Jesus was interested in the heart.

The character.

Jesus is not interested in what separates us, but in stepping over or through or around those things.

He wants to draw near. 

He sees you.

Knows you.

And wants to draw near.

#gospelofJohn

#seen

#known

#loved