Sunday 14 January 2024

Psalm 139

Background

This reading occurs towards the beginning of Jesus’ ministry, when he began to call his first disciples. By the time of Jesus, many Jews were expecting God to send his Messiah to save them and Jesus had already been recognised as ‘the Messiah’ - ‘anointed’ or ‘Christ’ (John 1:41). Then, when Jesus called Philip, Philip immediately responded to the call by telling Nathanael. Philip clearly understood Jesus to be the one pointed to in the Hebrew scriptures and wanted to share the good news.

We know very little about Nathanael, whose name means ‘God has given’. He is only mentioned in one other place, at one of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances (John 21:2). Jesus had many disciples but the first 12 were also apostles, meaning 'one who is sent' to spread the word. Some scholars have tried to identify Nathanael with one of the 12 first disciples – or apostles (Matthew 10:2; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:12-16), usually Bartholomew.  

When Nathanael was first told about Jesus, he was sceptical and full of disdain. He said: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" (John 1:46). His objection to the idea that the Messiah should come from Nazareth was understandable – Nazareth was insignificant and not mentioned in the Old Testament or other Jewish or pagan writings. Philip did not try to convince Nathanael with clever arguments – his response was simply "Come and see."

Nathanael was surprised that Jesus knew him. Jesus saw him, even before Philip had called him, and said of him, "Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" (1:47). He said that because Jacob, who went on to be named Israel, was known as 'a deceiver' (Genesis 27:35). Jesus recognised Nathanael as a descendant of Jacob-Israel who did not share in his deceit. Psalm 32:2 says that only one with no deceit in their heart can serve the Lord. Hence Jesus was complimenting Nathanael when he spoke these words and saw into Nathanael’s heart. Jesus knew and recognised Nathanael before Nathanael went on to recognise Jesus and follow him, with the words: "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" (v. 49)

To Ponder:

• Why do you think Nathanael is only mentioned twice in the Bible? Is this significant – and if so, why?
•  Can you think of a time when you have felt seen and known by God? How did it make you feel?
•  Have you ever invited people to ‘come and see’ Jesus – or have others invited you? How easy is it to share Jesus with others – or to respond when others want to share their faith with you?

Prayer 

Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24)