A Study Of John 1:43-51
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of relationships in discipleship, spending time with Jesus, and spiritual discernment.
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of relationships in discipleship
Immediately after becoming a disciple of Jesus, Andrew took his brother Simon to meet him. And likewise, when Phillip became a disciple of Jesus, he invited his friend Nathaniel to meet him too.
We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. (ESV, John 1:45)
But Nathaniel expressed a social bias that made him harder to convince.
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Nazareth was a rural village in lower Galilee. Small and insignificant. And its residents likely considered country bumpkins compared to cool cities like Jerusalem. Perhaps, Nathaniel would have responded differently if Philip associated Jesus with his birthplace, Bethlehem. Its royal ties as the city of David would have raised Jesus’ social standing.
But we are not so different today. And quick to form unmerited biases toward other people that pridefully make us feel superior.
However, Phillip was not detered and responded simply, “Come and see.”
This illustrates another truth. Discipleship begins and is built on relationships. Inviting others to meet Jesus and then walking together as followers. It leans on the influence of one godly life rubbing off on another.
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of spending time with Jesus.
When Andrew and his fellow disciple of John the Baptist asked Jesus where he was staying, Jesus invited them to “Come and see.” The same words Phillip used in responding to Nathaniel’s objection. In each case, Andrew and Nathaniel became followers simply by spending time with Jesus. Today, it is still the presence of Jesus that radically transforms every disciple.
And we should note it is not our job as disciple makers to “sell” Jesus. It is the Holy Spirit who draws people to Jesus and convicts them of their sin. Our role is to provide a Gospel witness and invite others to meet Jesus. Of course, we should know what and how to share in a compelling manner. But it is the Holy Spirit and the abiding presence of Jesus Christ that produces disciples.
Furthermore, every disciple should make spending regular time with Jesus a priority through reading God’s word. Because spiritual transformation is an ongoing pursuit of growing more Christ-like. And involves the mutual, support, encouragement, and accountability of walking with other believers.
A study of John 1:43-51 shows the importance of spiritual discernment.
There’s a stark contrast between how Jesus and Nathaniel assess one another. Before they meet Nathaniel utters a put down on Jesus based on his home town. But when they meet, Jesus declares a positive affirmation about Nathaniel.
“Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
An astute observation or a divine peak into Nathaniel’s heart? Maybe both. Nathaniel appeared startled by the spontaneous assessment. And his own biased assertion next to Jesus’ compliment may have also been convicting. How could Jesus know him so intimately when they had never met before? When Nathaniel asked, Jesus explained he saw Nathaniel under a fig tree.
Seems like an odd and evasive answer. What did Jesus mean by it?
The shade provided by broad leafed fig trees made them a popular respite from the hot sun. But they also carried a symbolic meaning in Jewish culture. Mentioned in both 1 Kings 4:25 and Micah 4:4, they were considered a place of prayer, meditation, and communion with God. Of course, the divine Jesus could see inside Nathaniel’s heart. And yet, something observable about Nathaniel’s body language also provided clues.
It reminds us that God sees everything in our heart. Sinful desires. Selfish motivations. And evil intentions. Therefore, we should be honest before God and quick to confess our sins. Furthermore, while our default is to grant others the benefit of the doubt, we should exercise spiritual discernment by observing righteous behavior.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a small group Bible Study?
This four week study dives directly into God’s word. It includes an individual study with an exegetical approach that examines word meaning, provides background information, and thought provoking questions for reflection and journaling, And a weekly, group study guide that promotes a lively group discussion around other scripture references, personal stories, and life experiences that help apply scriptural truth to life.
Check out Philippians Bible Study For Individuals and Groups.
