Willing to Be Wrong

Willing to Be Wrong

From Grace for All by Jim Stovall, Greta Smith, First United Methodist Church, Maryville, TN

May 7, 2026 · 7 min · Season 24 · Episode 902

About this episode

This episode explores the different ways individuals come to faith, focusing on the stories of Nathanael and Matthew in the New Testament.

John 1:47-50 (NIV) When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel." Jesus said, "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that." Not everyone comes to Jesus the same way. Matthew, the tax collector, was sitting at his booth when Jesus walked by and said two words — "Follow me" — and Matthew got up and left everything behind. No questions. No conditions. Something in Matthew recognized something in Jesus, and that was enough. It happened in an instant. Nathanael's story is different, and the Gospel writer John seems to want us to notice that. When Philip tells Nathanael that they have found the Messiah — Jesus of Nazareth — Nathanael's response is immediate and honest: "Can anything good come from Nazareth?" He is not a cynical man. He is a careful one. He has his doubts, and he says so plainly. But then Philip says something that changes everything. He…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jim Stovall, Greta Smith

Topics covered

  • faith
  • doubt
  • spiritual journey
  • Jesus
  • New Testament
  • personal growth

Keywords

  • Nathanael
  • Matthew
  • Jesus
  • faith
  • doubt
  • spirituality
  • New Testament

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: First United Methodist Church

Places: Nazareth

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