Philip, a new disciple, met Nathaniel and said to him, “We have found the Messiah, Jesus, the son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”

And Nathaniel replied, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

Nathaniel had a strong prejudice against this city and against Jesus himself. It wouldn’t be the only time someone would underestimate the Lord and not recognize Him as the Son of God.

Even today, many people consider Jesus a good man, but not the Savior of the world.

Things changed when Nathaniel personally met the Lord. The Savior saw Nathaniel and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit. Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”

Nathaniel was impressed. Jesus did not reproach him for having underestimated Him. Instead, He highlighted his virtues and indicated that He had set His eyes on him long before. From that moment, Nathaniel followed the Savior.

This is the right way to evangelize: No criticism, understanding that wrongful behavior is a product of living without Christ, getting to know the person in their context, highlighting their virtues, praying for them beforehand, and presenting Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.