Seen and Known

Who likes getting their picture taken?

For some people it’s no big deal. But for others, the thought of taking professional photos (like church directory pics) raises all kinds of questions: What do I wear? Is it too late to get a haircut? Do I actually know how to smile on command? For something that takes only a few seconds, getting our picture taken can feel like a surprisingly big event. Being seen—really seen—can make us a little self-conscious.

That feeling makes a small moment in the Gospel of John especially meaningful. In John 1:48, when Jesus meets Nathanael, he says, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree.” Nathanael is surprised – Jesus noticed him even before they had met. It’s a powerful reminder that God sees us long before we ever step forward or introduce ourselves. God sees us not just in a posed moment, but in the ordinary places of life—our routines, our struggles, and in the quiet moments no one else notices.

That same truth is at the heart of Easter. The risen Christ comes back and calls people by name, gathering them into a community of hope and new life. Our new church directory will be a small reflection of that joy—helping us learn each other’s names and faces so we can greet each other without the awkward, “Good morning… you!” Each picture in the book will represent someone seen and known by Christ, and a community shaped by God’s welcome and healing love.

So when it’s time for your directory photo, bring your smile if you can, and remember: the One who first saw Nathanael sees you too—and is glad you’re part of the picture!

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