Can anything good come out of Nazareth John 1:43-51

Personal preparation

Observation, interpretation

Historical background: At the beginning of His public appearance, Jesus was baptised by John the Baptist in the river Jordan. Among John's friends were Jesus' first disciples (verse 35). In our text, Jesus is on His way to Galilee in order to "reveal" Himself there (2:11).

43 Finding Philip: the initiative is taken by Jesus

Follow me: Jesus doesn't preach or say "believe in Me". He invites people to join Him: "Follow Me and get to know Me".

44 Bethsaida: village at the Sea of Galilee

45 found Nathanael: After being found by Jesus, Philip meets one of his friends who is waiting for the coming of the Messiah. And so we see how the Gospel starts spreading (v. 35-37,40-42).

Nathanael: John 21:2

Moses and the prophets: stands for the Old Testament (cf. John 5:39,46)

awaiting the Messiah (v. 41,45)

Messiah: (literally) the Anointed; Greek: Christ. Different expectations had been formed in Jewish thought concerning the coming of the Messiah (in fulfilment of the Old Testament prophecies). Some expected the Messiah to be an ideal king, the anointed Saviour sent by God, coming from the line of King David (2 Samuel 7:12-15). He was supposed to rescue Israel from its political and religious afflictions and to reign over all peoples in justice and peace. Others expected a priest from the line of Moses, a religious ruler who would study and interpret the Jewish Torah (Deuteronomy 18:15).

Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph: Jesus is presented as an ordinary person. He is the son of Joseph from Nazareth. But it is Philip who sees Jesus of Nazareth as the Messiah, the King Who will fulfil the prophecies of the Old Testament.

46 Nazareth: Nathanael is right; the Old Testament prophecies do not mention Nazareth (cf. John 7:41f). See also Acts 5:37!

come and see: Scepticism cannot be overcome by discussion alone. At some point one's own experience must also be challenged.

47 Here is a true Israelite in whom there is nothing false: Jesus recognises and respects Nathanael's honesty which is reflected in his questions and doubts.

48 under the fig tree: a place where rabbis often used to study the Torah. Thus, a true Israelite could also mean: someone who studies the law or the Scriptures.

Jesus makes it clear to Nathanael that He is not a fake. He wants to show him that He knows everything about him: his striving, his longing, his questions and his personality.

49 The Israelite recognises Jesus as the King of Israel.

Son of God and King of Israel are supposed to mean the same thing here. According to Psalm 2:6f., the King of Israel is ‘born' the Son of God on the day of His accession to the throne. Both titles belong to the Messiah coming from the line of King David.

50-51 Greater things is explained by using the biblical picture of Jacob's ladder (cf. Genesis 28:10-22). The sky (= symbol of God's existence) opens up above Jacob: Bethel (= House of God). Now, there is a new place (or rather: a person) which/who opens up God's existence to us: Jesus! All questions about recognising God, revealing God, experiencing God are answered in a single person: Jesus. Following Jesus means that Nathanael recognises God's existence in Jesus. He does not see angels, but rather recognises the Heavenly Father through His Son (cf. 14:9ff.).

Son of Man: Jesus often talks about Himself as the Son of man, because: a) This title comes across as being very ordinary. This allows Jesus to protect Himself from false expectations and misconceptions regarding His person. b) This title is given to God's ambassador and judge over humankind as mentioned in Daniel 7:14.

Group discussion

Introduction

Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that by believing you may have life in His name.

(John 20:30-31)

This is how John describes his purpose in writing about Jesus and His life. Jesus - the Son of God: for many people with a Christian background this phrase may become all too familiar, but for others it is something incredible. It is easy to accept that 2000 years ago there was a man named Jesus, son of a carpenter, who travelled through Galilee and Judea preaching and doing miracles. But it is something quite different for us to accept that He was the Son of God. In this area a healthy amount of scepticism is legitimate. But scepticism shouldn't block us from finding out the truth about Jesus. That is why John relates this encounter right at the beginning of his gospel. John tells the story of Jesus talking with the sceptic Nathanael.

Questions

Philip- a seeker meets Jesus (v. 43-45)

1. Jesus' instruction follow Me was probably a bit of a surprise for Philip, but not necessarily totally unexpected. How does the text show that Philip was prepared to act on this instruction? Try to describe Philip's expectations (see also v. 41)

(Alternatively, explain the Jewish expectations of the Messiah and read 2 Samuel 7;12ff. and Deuteronomy 18;15 in the Old Testament)

2. What emotions and/or thoughts does the instruction Follow Me provoke in you / in us / in me?

Nathanael- a wary seeker (v.46)

3. Nathanael is sceptical towards Philip's initial invitation. Nazareth did not feature in the Old Testament prophecies concerning the coming Messiah. Nevertheless Philip urges him to come and see. What does Philip want his invitation to achieve?

Jesus of Nazareth (v.47-48)

4. Jesus greets Nathanael with Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false. What does Jesus' assessment of Nathanael imply? What is Jesus implying when He says, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree"?

Nathanael- a sceptic starts trusting (v.49-51)

5. Outline the change in Nathanael's attitude toward Jesus. Where

Does our text show that Nathanael starts trusting in Jesus?

6. What does you shall see heaven open mean to you? (First, discuss the question, and then second, read together Genesis 28:10-22) Taking Genesis 28 into account, what does open heaven mean?

Application

Nathanael and Philip were seeking the truth. They carried a hope inside themselves that was beyond their personal wishes and yearnings. Have we ever felt such a hope? What influences/governs our wishes and yearnings? How do we react to Jesus' claim that He is the personified answer of every human's seeking?