49 Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, YOU ARE THE SON OF GOD; YOU ARE THE KING OF ISRAEL.’ John 1
The calling of Nathanael, or more commonly today Nathaniel, resulted in this exchange between the Lord and his coming disciple. Nathanael is derived from two Hebrew words, ‘Nathan meaning to give’ and ‘el meaning God’, literally means ‘God has given’ or ‘gift of God’. The name is most commonly used today in the United States and the United Kingdom. Western people are often unaware of how much our society has been founded on Judeo-Christian traditions, (which are under huge attack) but this name, along with much else, has been passed down through many generations.
‘The name Nathaniel has a strong and enduring presence, THANKS TO ITS RELIGIOUS ORIGINS AND MEANING. Its association with being a divine gift has allowed it to transcend time and cultural boundaries, making it a significant name with a rich history and CONTINUED RELEVANCE IN CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY.’ Quoted from Ancestry U.K.
44 Philip, like Andrew and Peter, was from the town of Bethsaida. 45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’
46 ‘Nazareth! CAN ANYTHING GOOD COME FROM THERE?’ Nathanael asked.
‘Come and see,’ said Philip. John 1
Nathanael wasn’t impressed by Jesus town of origin, apparently it wasn’t a Beverly Hills or Mayfair address. ‘Can anything good come from there?’ Many people and places get poor reputations but if we actually take time to meet them, they may be much better. THAT’S WHY WE SHOULD BE VERY CAREFUL ABOUT BELIEVING MALICIOUS GOSSIP! The Bible says that we aren’t to accept one person’s word on something, especially about someone’s character. THE BAD REPORT of the ten spies cost a whole generation in Israel their inheritance. Numbers 13:32
47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here is a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’
48 ‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.’
49 Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.’ John 1
Jesus made His introduction to Nathanael by giving a powerful word of knowledge, showing him that He’d seen him before Philip called him. He also spoke of Nathanael’s character, something he didn’t do with the other disciples. Nathanael stayed faithful to Jesus until He revealed Himself in His resurrected body at the Galilee. He remained faithful to the Lord throughout his life, his character held firm.
JESUS KNOWS YOU AND I BEFORE HE CALLS US, WE’RE NOT IN THE KINGDOM BY MISTAKE!
May the Lord bless and keep you today. Immanuel, God is with us.