The man called Nathanael!
There is a fellow in the Bible who I can’t wait to meet when I am in Heaven. His name is Nathanael. He is often thought to be the disciple by the other name of Bartholomew as well. With Nathanael being his personal name and Bartholomew a title derived from his father.
Not a lot is said about this man. It is believed he was like the others, a fisherman, but also one who was well versed in scripture. His name means, “gift from God”. He was born in Cana of Galilee and became one of the inner core of the disciples who followed Jesus.
Matthew, Mark and Luke don’t mention his name but in John he is mentioned six times in six verses in John’s Gospel.
He was introduced by Philip to Jesus, who on seeing him pronounced that remarkable eulogy which has rendered his name almost another word for sincerity: “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile.”
He was one of the disciples to whom Christ appeared at the sea of Tiberias after his resurrection, John 21:2; and after witnessing the ascension returned with the other apostles to Jerusalem, Acts 1:4,12,13.
But why am I drawn to this amazing man of which so little is said?
When Jesus met Nathanael that first time He said those amazing words about him, Jhn 1:47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
Nathanael’s reply to Jesus was to the point, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”
Those last words of Nathanael are the sealer for me. From that simple discussion, that small transaction of words, from that moment, Nathanael was on fire for Jesus! How simple, how faithful and how wonderful were the few simple steps that turned this fisherman into an powerful devoted servant of God.
In A.D. 70 Nathanael paid for his devotion to Jesus through a hideous death. Unwilling to recant his proclamation of a risen Christ, he was flayed and then crucified.
I cannot wait to meet this man who ‘cut to the chase’ and set his life on the path of totally following Jesus! He is one of my Bible heroes and one of my most treasured mentors!
How wonderful it will be to stand alongside this man and worship our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ together. I can tell you the worship won’t be half hearted or toned down. It will be full on!