Following Jesus 34

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? The primary text in Scripture which specifically speaks about Nathanael is John 1:43-51.

How are Jesus disciples today like Nathanael? What Observations about Nathanial, and followers of Jesus today, can be gathered from John 1:43-51?

Like Nathanael, a true follower of Jesus knows Scripture.

Secondly, a true disciple of Jesus may be prejudiced.

Thirdly, Jesus knows His true followers and they in turn know Jesus.

Finally, true followers of Jesus are so by saving faith. 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!” (John 1:48-49 ESV).

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 1:50-51 ESV)

By calling Jesus the Son of God, Nathanael made a true disciples’ confession. He evidenced trust, commitment, dependence and worship of Jesus Christ. What is it Nathaniel believed? That Jesus was the Son of God and also the King of Israel.

In also calling Jesus the king of Israel this does not mean that Nathanael at this early date fully understood the Trinity or the Incarnation. Rather He understood Jesus to be the Son of God in the messianic sense (cf. Psalm 2:6–7). This future Davidic King would have God’s Spirit on Him (Isaiah 11:1–2) and thus would have supernatural knowledge (Psalm 2:6-7; Isaiah 11:1-2).
 
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 1:50-51 ESV).

Jesus promised Nathanael a greater basis for belief, probably referring to the miracles in chapters 2–13 of John’s gospel.

• John 2. Water turned into Wine.
• John 4:1-42. The Salvation of the Samaritans.
• John 4:46-54. The Healing of the Nobleman’s Son.
• John 5. The Healing of the Man by the Pool of Bethesda.
• John 6:1-14. The Feeding of the 5,000.
• John 6:15-21. Jesus Walking on the Water.
• John 7. Jesus’ teaching in the Temple.
• John 8:1-11. The Woman Caught in Adultery.
• John 9. The Healing of the Man Born Blind.
• John 10. Jesus’ teaching on He being the Good Shepherd.
• John 11. The Resurrection of Lazarus.
• John 12:1-11. The Anointing of Jesus by Mary.
• John 12:12-19. Jesus’ Triumphant Entry into Jerusalem.
• John 13. Jesus’ Washes the Disciples’ Feet.

Talking Points

• As a follower of Jesus, are you a seeker to truth no matter where it leads? Some are not. They choose the truth they like and reject the truth they do not like. Nathanael was not such an individual. He may have possessed a degree of prejudice, but he overcame it to follow the One, True Messiah.
• Are you an honest, open man/women of prayer? Do you meditate upon the Word of God?
• Are you not only interested in what you feel, but also how and what you think?
• Nathanael had great faith, a clear understanding and a meditative soul. Again, are you?

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