Nathanael See for Yourself

According to Foxe’s Book of Martyrs, this disciple brought the gospel to the entire country of India before being martyred by crucifixion. Also known as Bartholomew, Nathanael was one of Jesus’ 12 apostles. But before he became an apostle, Nathanael was a Jew who fervently believed in the Scriptures. Like many, he had expectations of the promised Messiah. The Anointed One was to be their Savior and their King—mighty, majestic, magnificent. What pomp and circumstance would herald Him? What glorious victories would trail Him?

When his friend Philip told him that the Messiah was none other than Jesus of Nazareth, Nathanael was skeptical. The promised Messiah—from an insignificant village not more than a few miles from his own hometown of Cana? “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46) he replied scornfully.

But Philip did not try to convince him with reason or debate. He merely pointed straight to the source by bidding him, “Come and see.” At this point Nathanael could have dismissed Philip’s news as a waste of time. But he did not. His faith outweighed his prejudice. He followed his friend.

As they arrived, Jesus, knowing full well what Nathanael had said to Philip, called to him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit” (v. 47). Nathanael was stunned. He did not know this Man; how could this Man know him? But Jesus knew Nathanael intimately. He knew that Nathanael earnestly desired to follow His Savior. As truly as God counts each hair on our heads, Jesus had seen Nathanael under the fig tree (v. 48). Instantly, Nathanael believed. He had experienced Jesus personally. Nathanael knew from that moment on that Jesus, though He could not have looked less like a king (Isaiah 53:2), was “the Son of God” (John 1:49).

And Jesus, in turn, affirmed his faith, giving to Nathanael a clear illustration of His purpose on earth: “Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (v. 51). And Nathanael ended up giving his life that others might believe in that truth—in Jesus Christ our mediator, our ladder (Genesis 28:12), our only way between earth and heaven (John 14:6).

Reflect: Do you tell rather than show? Nathanael was converted when he saw for himself who the Messiah was. A firsthand experience is more convicting than the most eloquent argument for God.