https://truthbook.com/jesus/illustrated-stories/jesus-chooses-philip-and-nathaniel-as-apostles

John 1:43-51

Words with weight

What a compliment Jesus paid Nathanael! “Behold (look) an Israelite (member of the family) indeed, in who is no guile.” Can you imagine Jesus saying this to you? Nathanael is a man of honor, integrity, candor, and of the Word of God. Jesus knew Nathanael before Nathanael knew him. Yet, Nathanael, a man of few words, was the first to confess publicly, “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” Nathanael’s words had great import. He responds quickly to the invitation of his friend Philip to “come and see” Jesus. He listens to what Jesus says and recognizes the Scripture’s fulfillment stands before him. Nathanael is curious, intuitive, and rational. Even before he meets Christ, he has a heart for the things of God.

Searching for treasure

I have come to recognize that every word of Scripture has deep meaning and is meant to be explored and mined for its treasure. Jesus said He knew and saw Nathanael “under the fig tree.” These few verses are all we know of this man who followed Christ except for indications He was witness to the resurrection and ascension. (John 21:2, Acts 1:13) Nathanael is in the background. Quiet. Faithful. Steadfast. A “gift of God” to Jesus as his name portrays. But what of this “fig tree?” In Scripture, the fig tree represents Israel; its health as a nation. (Hosea 9:10) “In Judaism, the mention of the fig tree is a symbol for the study of Law (Torah). In rabbinic literature, the proper place to study the Torah is under the fig tree.” (www.learnreligions.com/nathanael-the-true-israelite) This is how John lets the reader know about the passion of Nathanael.

Choose this day

Many of us put off making a decision for Christ. We tend to “live life to the fullest because we only live once,” and in doing so postpone doing as Nathanael did: “….seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and ALL these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Because Nathanael sought first the kingdom of God, he heard from the lips of Jesus, the Son of God, King of Israel, the promise he would, “see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” This is the reward of faith and putting Christ first!

Would you like to be considered a gift of God to Jesus? You can be! All you need do is follow Nathanael’s example: Come and see. Listen to Jesus. Examine the evidence. Declare Him to be who He is and follow Him. You too will be a “true Israelite in whom is no guile.” A true friend to Jesus the Messiah: A person willing to give their life for his friend. (John 15:13)

Father,

As I come into Your Presence, I come rejoicing in Jesus my Savior. Thank you for giving me a heart to follow hard after Christ. Make me a blessing to Jesus as He is a blessing to You. May I always seek first Your Kingdom and Righteousness, knowing You will give me all I need.

Thank you for Your Word and the example of Nathanael, gift of God, the son of Tolmai (Bartholomew). Thank you for adopting me into Your family, for making me an Israelite. May You find me transparent. Give me a tender heart toward those who earnestly seek the Truth. In Jesus name, I pray. Let it be so.

Come and See from Connection Music