725. JOH 1:45. NATHANAEL
Joh_1:45. Nathanael
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph," &c.’97Joh_1:45.
Very little is said of Nathanael in the New Testament history. It is generally supposed that he had two names; and that he is the same with Bartholomew. As strong conjectural evidence of this, it is remarkable that no account is given of Bartholomew’s call, unless this be it.
That the Evangelists who mention Nathanael, do not mention Bartholomew; and those who refer to Bartholomew, do not name Nathanael. So also we find Philip and Bartholomew mentioned together by Matthew, as Philip and Nathanael are in the text; Mat_10:3. But it is of little consequence who or what he might be as to name, &c., as compared with the moral and gracious excellences, for which he was so preeminently distinguished.
Let us then look at his religious character as presented to us in the Divine word.
Observe,
I. How Nathanael was directed to the Saviour.
1. Philip, the apostle, was the honored instrument.
Philip of Bethsaida, is to be distinguished from the excellent Philip, the deacon and evangelist. Philip was one of the apostles of Jesus, and was called by the Saviour to be his disciple; Joh_1:43. Philip was a neighbor of Andrew and Peter. All of whom dwelt at Bethsaida. Interesting place to furnish so many of the illustrious apostles of Christ. Philip having found Jesus, and been called of him, becomes anxious to make him known to others’97the necessary effect of the grace of God in the soul.
Observe,
2. The manner in which Nathanael is directed to Christ.
Joh_1:45. "We have found him," &c. They knew the law and the prophets. Had read to practical purpose. Had observed the signs of the Messiah’s character and appearance. Had doubtless read the law and prophets expressly to find the Messiah. Philip had seen in Christ the evidences of the Messiahship.
Now, he states this to Nathanael’97"We have found him," &c. Observe,
3. The state of Nathanael’s mind when he was first directed to Christ.
Joh_1:46. This is evidenced when he replied’97"Can any good thing," &c. Here we see the power of prejudice! Prejudice as to place’97prejudice in a good man!
The character of Nazareth was bad. To be a Galilean or a Nazarene was to be exposed to contempt. We see it will never do to judge of places or men in the mass; and how necessary to guard against this evil influence in all matters, especially in those of a religious character.
Observe,
4. How Nathanael yielded to the advice of Philip.
Philip said to him’97"Come and see." Better this, than reasoning with him about Nazareth. He wished him to be brought into contact with the Master. He relied more on the Saviour’s loveliness, wisdom, and grace, than on his own powers of reasoning. How excellent the advice! "Come and see." Don’t decide without evidence! Don’t refuse the means of evidence! But come, and let the evidence decide your mind. Nathanael acted on this advice; and then we notice,
II. His interview with the Saviour.
Observe,
1. Christ’s eulogistic declaration.
Joh_1:47. Jesus saw him, and said, "Behold! an Israelite indeed," &c. In nature, as well as name. In reality, as well as profession. One who had sincere respect to the law of God. A real servant of the true God’97"in whom is no guile." Observe: he does not say, in whom is no weakness, or infirmity, or even sin’97but no guile! Without the least vestige of deceit and hypocrisy of heart and life. Word and principle all in harmony. Walking alike before men and God. No pretence’97no show’97no ostentation! but upright and righteous before God. How excellent, how rare this character: Christ’s exclamation proves this. In the midst of the pernicious errors of the Sadducees, and self-outward righteousness of the Pharisees’97in the midst of the general apostasy’97here is an Israelite indeed! Observe,
2. Nathanael’s interrogation.
"Whence knowest thou me?" Joh_1:48.
This was the first interview. He was surprised, &c.; and to know his heart, this was the wonder. Yes, Christ knows all things. Then observe,
3. Christ’s declaration of Nathanael’s devotional character.
"Jesus answered, before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the figtree," &c. Joh_1:48.
Here Christ declares his own omniscience. Nathanael had retired’97knew not that any one saw him; but Christ did, even there. He refers to the place. Under the figtree’s thick foliage. No doubt, Nathanael retired to meditate and pray. Here secretly, silently, devoutly, he communed with God. Here, perhaps, he exercised faith and hope, in reference to the long expected Messiah. And there the eyes of the Messiah were upon him.
Notice,
III. Nathanael’s good confession.
His eyes were now opened’97his soul rejoiced in the Saviour’97and he exclaimed, "Rabbi," &c. Here was a full and hearty confession.
"Son of God."’97As such, having the attributes and glory of the Father.
"King of Israel."’97Sent to rule and reign according to the ancient predictions. "Thou art." No doubt’97no hesitation, prejudice, &c., all gone; and Jesus is honored and confessed by an Israelite indeed, &c.,
Notice, then,
IV. The enlarged privileges of which Jesus assured him.
"Because," &c. Joh_1:50:1. The general promise. "Greater things." It was yet only dawn. He was yet only a child. First lesson of the kingdom of God expounded to his soul.
2. The particular statement.
"Heaven opened." So it was, see Joh_12:27, &c. So also at Christ’s ascension; Luk_24:50; Act_1:9, &c. Thus, literally. He might intend also to intimate, that heaven should be open to him in its blessings, communion, and angelic protection.
Nathanael is supposed to have been put to a cruel death, after preaching the gospel in Judea and Persia’97by the brother of the king of Armenia.
Learn,
1. Our duty to the unconverted. Like Philip, to bring them to Christ.
2. The great value of integrity of character. To be without guile.
3. The importance of private devotion.
4. The necessity of a public profession.
5. The gracious privileges of the people of God.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS