Conversation between Jesus and Nathanael

Lesson #21

Our lesson today will cover the text from John 1:47 - 51 and covers the conversation between Jesus and Nathanael. In our last lesson, Jesus asked Philip to follow him and Philip went to get Nathanael. When Jesus saw him coming toward him he exclaimed, “Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” (v47). Before Jesus met Nathanael he knew what he was like inside. Jesus, being God, knows each one of us just as well. He knows our every thought. This statement from Jesus surprises Nathanael and he asked Jesus, “How do you know me?” (v48). Jesus replied, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael was out of sight but yet Jesus knew where he was.

It would have been helpful if Jesus had also informed us as to what he was doing there. Since the shade of a fig tree is often used as a place for teaching or studying and because of Nathanael’s next comment it is speculated that he was thinking about the Messiah who was to come. Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (v49).

I am sure Nathanael had been doing a lot of thinking and when Jesus expressed his knowledge of what he was like on the inside and where he was when Phillip called him, he declares two aspects of Jesus: “Son of God” and “King of Israel.” It is not clear at this point how much Nathanael understood, but in the time spent with Jesus as a disciple he would learn much more. Jesus then said, “Because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.” (v50). Jesus acknowledges Nathanael’s statement and then implies that this is just the beginning of what he will experience in the days to come.

Jesus continues by saying, “I tell all of you the solemn truth—you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (v51). Jesus identifies himself as the “Son of Man,” which has its origin in Daniel 7:13 – 14. His claim as the Son of Man is a huge claim considering what Daniel had to say about him in his night vision: “And with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man was approaching. He went up to the Ancient of Days and was escorted before him. To him was given ruling authority, honor, and sovereignty. All peoples, nations, and language groups were serving him. His authority is eternal and will not pass away. His kingdom will not be destroyed” (NET). How will Jesus convince people that this is who he is? Has he convinced you?

Prayer

Father, there is so much to think about in this lesson and how it applies to my life. To think of Jesus as the eternal Son of God who entered his creation through a woman to live as a perfect man, to die for my sin and to overcome death. To think of Jesus as a King who is forming a kingdom that I will exist in forever. To think of Jesus as the Son of Man with his heavenly origin and divine authority. Father, the draw of the world to its pleasures and glamor is strong but so shallow and short lived. What I find here is so deep and rich and will last forever. Thank you for choosing me to share it with you.