Difference between revisions of "Nathanael - John 1:43-51"

Latest revision as of 16:45, 19 December 2024

LESSON NOTES AND QUESTIONS

Summary: In John 1:43–51, Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to follow Him. Nathanael initially doubts Jesus but is convinced of His identity as the Son of God. Through the call of Nathanael, we see that Jesus knows us deeply, calls us to follow Him, and reveals His true identity to us. By choosing to follow Him, we can experience His faithfulness and guidance in our lives. Jesus sees us, knows us intimately, and calls us to follow Him despite our doubts and shortcomings. He reveals His identity to us in ways that are personal and meaningful.

Application: This passage reminds Christians that although they may have doubts or reservations, Jesus has proven Himself time and again through His teachings, miracles, and love. By following Him, believers can experience His faithfulness and guidance in their lives.

Background on Disciple: In all of the Gospels except for John, Nathanael is called Bartholomew. His name in Hebrew means “God has given,” and he is from a small town of Cana in Galilee. This is the place where Jesus performed His first miracle—changing water into wine. Philip is the one who brings Nathanael to Jesus, likely because they were very close friends. Some speculations about Nathanael are that he was an eager student of the Old Testament (Philip spoke of Jesus as fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies), he had certain prejudices ("Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" which is interesting given Cana was a lowly village off the beaten path), and he was genuine with a sincere heart ("an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit"). Think of the phrase from *Avatar*, "I see you," which caused Nathanael amazement that Jesus knew him—not just saw him.

1. Christ Calls Compassionately

John 1:43-44

Jesus initiates the call to follow Him, much like He did with Peter. Jesus first calls Philip, and then Philip (like Andrew telling Peter) goes and finds Nathanael and tells him about the One the prophets wrote about in the Law. This point could highlight how Jesus knows us and calls us, even before we understand who He is, mirroring the big idea that Jesus is intimately aware of our lives and invites us into a relationship with Him.

QUESTION: When have you been challenged to show someone else the compassion of Christ?

2. Challenge Turns to Commitment

John 1:45-46

Nathanael struggles with the lowly origin of Jesus—from Nazareth. Nathanael’s initial skepticism towards Jesus likely reflects his doubts and hesitations. His statement, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” also might show some prejudice. Nazareth was likely a very small village of only 100-150 people. This small Jewish clan (family name Natsara) from Babylon likely settled in Natsara (Hebrew meaning "Branch clan"—branch of David; no translation of the Hebrew "ts" sound into Greek, which is likely why there is no Nazareth in the Hebrew Bible—it would have been Natarene or "the branch") around 100 BC. This point might illustrate that despite our reservations, skepticism, or prejudices of the world, Jesus proves Himself to us through personal encounters, encouraging believers to trust in Him as Nathanael did. Through sanctification, Jesus can also change our hearts to rid us of those prejudices.

QUESTION: Nathanael’s skepticism was transformed through personal encounters. When have you created or been part of a safe space for dialogue, encouraging questions, and sharing how you have personally experienced Jesus in your life? What made it that kind of place?

3. Christ's Knowledge Kindles Faith

John 1:47-49

Jesus says to Nathanael, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Nathanael is puzzled at how Jesus could know him. What is interesting is that Jesus replies, “I saw you under the fig tree.” Just by seeing someone, how would you know that this is a person in whom there is nothing false? The expression "under the fig tree" often meant having safety and leisure, likely a place someone would have been studying or meditating. Here, Jesus seems to have supernatural knowledge about Nathanael’s heart. Emphasize the teaching that Jesus knows us deeply and personally and calls us despite our shortcomings, inviting us to realize His vision for our lives.

QUESTION: How have you seen evidence that Jesus knows you intimately and personally—not just as a human, but uniquely as you?

4. Covenant Promises Provide Proof

John 1:50-51

Jesus' promises to Nathanael of greater things than these suggest that following Jesus leads to witnessing His work and miracles in our lives. This point might reinforce the big idea that by choosing to follow Jesus, we are invited into a journey of faith where we experience God's faithfulness and guidance firsthand. Also, Jesus calls Himself the Son of Man (a term He uses more than 80 times), referring to His humanity, suffering, and deity. (For more on the divine nature of the title, you might look at Daniel 7 on your own later.)

QUESTION: Remember Nathanael's experience—he was called by Jesus to greater things. How have you seen God at work in your life, big or small? How does this give you confidence in the future?