Have you ever ever felt unseen by God? Have you ever felt He has been silent as you referred to as out to Him? Nathaniel has an interplay with Jesus that units these worries apart. We discover Nathaniel’s uncommon and distinctive story in only some verses, however there’s a lot to be taught from his life and encounter with Jesus.
Nathaniel within the Bible was considered one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, also referred to as Bartholomew. He’s greatest recognized for his trustworthy query, “Can something good come out of Nazareth?” and for being referred to as a person “in whom there is no such thing as a deceit” by Jesus (John 1:47).
Have you ever ever puzzled who Nathaniel within the Bible was and why Jesus spoke so extremely of him?
Although he isn’t as effectively generally known as among the different disciples, Nathaniel’s story reveals a robust instance of honesty, religion, and transformation.
Who Was Nathaniel within the Bible?
Nathaniel within the Bible was considered one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, also referred to as Bartholomew. In John 1:45–51, he strikes from doubt to perception after encountering Jesus, who calls him a person “in whom there is no such thing as a deceit.” His story reminds us that trustworthy questions can result in real religion.
Nathaniel vs Nathanael
We see his identify often spelled two alternative ways. The identify Nathanael in Hebrew means “God has given” or “present of God.”
Nathaniel is just the commonest, fashionable spelling of this identify, with the identical non secular which means.
Nathaniel and Bartholomew
However simply so as to add to the confusion…
We solely see him referred to as Nathaniel in John’s Gospel. Matthew, Mark, and Luke confer with him because the apostle “Bartholomew.”
The identify Bartholomew comes from being named after his father– “bar-talmai”, which means “son of Tolmai” in Aramaic. Bartholomew is his surname (final identify).
Bible students extensively settle for, nonetheless, that Nathaniel and Bartholomew had been the identical particular person.
The Story of Nathaniel within the Bible
We hear little or no about Nathaniel aside from his identify on lists of the disciples in all 4 Gospels and within the guide of Acts.
However the Gospel of John provides us an encounter Nathaniel has with Jesus, which appears very uncommon. We discover this story in John 1:44-51.
Philip and Nathaniel
As Jesus was calling His disciples early in His ministry, He left for Galilee and it was there that He discovered Philip. Jesus calls Philip to comply with Him, which he did.
“The subsequent day Jesus determined to go away for Galilee. Discovering Philip, he mentioned to him, ‘comply with me.’ Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the city of Bethsaida. Philip discovered Nathanael and advised him, ‘Now we have discovered the one Moses wrote about within the Regulation, and about whom the prophets additionally wrote- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’” vv43-45.
The excellent news of the Messiah’s arrival was not one thing Philip may preserve to himself. He instantly goes to his buddy Nathanael to witness about whom he has seen.
It’s fascinating that Philip goes again to the traditional Scripture when describing Jesus.
Each males had been effectively versed within the Scriptures and knew the prophecies of the Messiah to come back from Moses and the prophets. Nathaniel would have simply acknowledged Philip’s reasoning.
However as an alternative of operating with pleasure to fulfill Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, Nathaniel responds with a skeptical comment:
“Nazareth! Can something good come from there?” v46.
Come and See within the Bible
Philip didn’t argue with Nathaniel’s remark or query his doubts. He merely solutions, “Come and see.” v46. Philip’s invitation to Nathaniel was to fulfill Jesus and resolve for himself.
This isn’t the primary time we hear this invitation.
Come and See Bible Verses
The preaching of John the Baptist was to level folks to Jesus. When John sees Jesus strolling by, John says, “Look, the Lamb of God!” John 1:35.
• Two disciples of John (most probably Andrew and John) heard this and started following Him alongside a highway. Jesus asks them what they need. They ask Him the place He’s staying, and Jesus replies, “Come and you will notice.” John 1:39.
•The lady on the effectively drops every thing to run again to city after encountering Jesus, saying, “Come, see a person who advised me every thing I ever did!” John 4:29.
•Psalm 66:5- “Come and see what God has completed, how superior his works on man’s behalf!” (In remembrance of God’s parting of the Pink Sea to save lots of the Israelites.)
•Isaiah 66:18- “And they’ll come and see my glory.” (Referring to finish occasions.)
Jesus extends this identical invitation to all, however doubts can preserve some away from Him. Or maybe they know little or no of Jesus or don’t know Christians of their private lives.
“Come and see” is an excellent method to invite others to fulfill Jesus and make their very own choice. Nathaniel put apart his prejudice and did simply that.
Nathaniel and Jesus
“When Jesus noticed Nathanael approaching, He mentioned to him, ‘Here’s a true Israelite, in whom there is no such thing as a deceit.’” v47.
What a tremendous and humbling praise from Jesus!
Nathaniel had by no means met Jesus in particular person, however Jesus knew every thing about him. He knew Nathaniel’s honest and open spirit to the reality, information of Scripture, what he believed, his character, and the situation of his coronary heart.
Nathaniel was every thing Jesus was searching for in an Israelite. He believed within the guarantees of God.
Nathaniel accepted Jesus’ evaluation of his character however puzzled how He may have probably recognized about him.
“How are you aware me?”, he asks.
Jesus explains: “I noticed you whilst you had been nonetheless beneath the fig tree earlier than Philip referred to as you.” v48.
“Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you’re the Son of God; you’re the King of Israel.’” v49.
The Holy Spirit opened Nathaniel’s eyes on the point out of the fig tree, and he instantly realizes that solely God may have seen him there and recognized his very ideas.
Nathaniel realizes Jesus knew his coronary heart and every thing about him. He accepts Jesus as Messiah at that very second. Philip had been proper!
Nathaniel proclaims Jesus’ distinctive relationship between Father and Son and His energy as Messiah and King. This was the boldest religion declare made about Jesus up so far.
Nathaniel beneath the Fig Tree
What was Nathaniel doing beneath the fig tree?
The frequent phrase “beneath the fig tree” described a time of finding out the Torah. It additionally was a Jewish customized to really sit beneath a leafy fig tree to take a seat and pray and research Scripture.
When Jesus noticed him beneath a fig tree, Nathaniel could have been spending time meditating on God’s Phrase or just resting. Both manner, Jesus knew about Nathaniel earlier than they even met. Jesus knew Nathaniel of Cana can be a wonderful disciple.
He responds to Nathaniel’s assertion of religion with a promise:
“Jesus mentioned, ‘You imagine as a result of I advised you I noticed you beneath the fig tree. You shall see higher issues than that.’ He then added, ‘I let you know the reality, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.’” John 1:50-51.
John 1:51 That means
Whereas this reply of Jesus could sound like a random or complicated assertion to us, Nathaniel would have understood this promise’s reference to the Bible patriarch Jacob, the daddy of the 12 tribes of Israel.
He additionally would have acknowledged Jesus’ preliminary greeting, “Here’s a true Israelite, in whom there is no such thing as a deceit” as a reference to Jacob.
Jacob practiced deceit by claiming his brother’s birthright and blessing (amongst different issues). Jacob modified his methods later in life and God modified his identify to “Israel.”
Jesus is evaluating Nathaniel (an trustworthy and true “Israel”) with Jacob (a deceitful one.)
Jesus continues His references to Jacob when He speaks of a dream given to Jacob of a stairway/ladder from heaven to earth with the Lord standing above.
The story of Jacob’s ladder mimics the dream Jesus speaks about to Nathaniel. (Genesis 28:10-15.)
However Jesus guarantees Nathaniel a fair higher signal than Jacob saw- to see heaven open and to attach Jesus, the Son of Man, because the ladder, the hyperlink between heaven and earth that we want.
Nathaniel, Disciple of Jesus
That is the tip of Nathaniel’s story within the Bible. We hear no different particulars of his life. The truths we be taught, nonetheless, are nonetheless profound.
•Isn’t it fascinating that Jesus didn’t confront Nathaniel about his skepticism? Our God is so type and gracious once we come to Him with questions and doubts!
•How comforting to know that God is aware of an actually in search of coronary heart and each single factor happening in our lives. We’re by no means “unseen” by our loving God. ♥
He is aware of our each concern, battle, and trial. He is aware of all our ideas, hopes, and desires.
•Nathaniel’s encounter with Jesus was so highly effective and private that every one his doubts instantly melted away.
In the identical manner, every considered one of us wants a private encounter with Jesus to just accept Him and produce real change to our lives.
Inviting Others to Come and See
•Like Nathaniel’s buddy Philip, we now have the privilege of showing Jesus to others. We will merely say, “come and see” to those that are skeptical or detached to Jesus.
We will encourage them that Jesus loves them and can meet them wherever they’re of their lives.
Whereas we don’t possess the ability to alter folks’s minds and hearts, we are able to introduce them to the One who can- Jesus.
We will pray for them, asking God to present them a willingness to hear and be taught, and for the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to a life-changing encounter with Jesus, simply as Nathaniel had.
Reflection Questions:
•Jesus calls us to “comply with Him.” What does “following Jesus” imply to you? What’s required of you?
•Have you ever ever felt God doesn’t see you or care about your circumstances? How does the story of Nathaniel offer you consolation?
•What are you able to be taught from Philip’s and Jesus’ response to Nathaniel’s skepticism?
•What are methods you possibly can invite folks to “come and see” immediately?
Blessings!
AnnMarie
All Scripture is taken from the NIV model except specified in any other case.
Picture Credit score: Deposit Images, Canva
