(story told in John 1:43-51; 21:1-2)
Nathanael, also known as Bartholomew, was one of the first followers of Jesus. His story began when Philip, another new disciple, found him and said, “We have found the one Moses wrote about—the Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.” Nathanael was skeptical at first. He asked, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” His question showed honesty, not disbelief—he simply couldn’t imagine that God’s chosen Savior would come from such a small, ordinary town.
Philip didn’t argue with him. Instead, he said, “Come and see.” When Nathanael approached, Jesus greeted him by saying, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” Surprised, Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him. Jesus replied, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” In that moment, Nathanael realized Jesus saw not just his actions but his heart.
Amazed, Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel!” Jesus told him that he would see even greater things—angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man—promising him a future filled with deeper revelation and faith.
Nathanael later became one of Jesus’ twelve apostles and remained faithful throughout his ministry. After Jesus’ resurrection, he was among the disciples who saw the risen Lord by the Sea of Galilee, sharing a meal of fish and bread that Jesus prepared.
Nathanael’s story shows that God welcomes honest seekers. His openness turned skepticism into strong belief. Like Nathanael, when we bring our questions to Jesus with a sincere heart, we discover that He already knows us—and invites us to “come and see” the truth for ourselves.