Following Jesus 29

As we examine the Twelve Disciples of Jesus, we now begin to view the second group of four. Following Philip is Nathanael.

Are you like Nathanael? Let’s look at some biblical facts about Nathanael.

To begin with, Nathaniel’s full name was Nathanael Bartholomew. His name means “gift of God.” Nathanael was from Cana of Galilee (John 21:1-2). Phillip brought Nathanael to Jesus (John 1:45-51).

Nathanael was a man full of faith. He was contemplative, meditative, and in awe of the supernatural.  However, Nathaniel was a man who was prejudiced.

The only passage in Scripture that tells us anything specific about Nathaniel is John 1:43-51.
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, “Follow me.” Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” (John 1:43-51 ESV).

When next we meet we will see how disciples today are like Nathanael. Until then, Soli deo Gloria!

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