Nathaniel's Answer
Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel. ~John 1:49
Nathaniel is one of the lesser known disciples. He is only mentioned in the Gospel of John. It is believed that he is the Bartholomew that is referred to in the other gospels. In our devotion this morning, we see Nathaniel undergoing a forever life change. Philip, his friend, brings Nathaniel to Jesus. We see the importance of bringing our friends and family to the Lord. We see the potential of how an introduction to Jesus can change a person’s life and destiny.
We see Nathaniel and his concern.
When Philip invited Nathaniel to go with him to meet Jesus, Nathaniel expressed doubt and concern about Who Jesus was. He asked, “Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth was considered a place where only losers and unsuccessful people lived. It never produced anyone who was noteworthy—that is, until Jesus came. Do you have doubts and concerns about what the Lord can do for you? Are you at a place in your life where you feel like the Word of God does not speak to you or that praying does not work? Are you at a crossroad in your life about the power of Christ in your life?
We see Nathaniel and his confrontation.
Jesus saw Nathaniel and made the first statement. Never forget that the Lord saw you before you saw Him! The Lord saw your heart and its desperate need for salvation. The Lord saw your doubt and your desperate need for faith. The Lord saw your life and your desperate need to let Him have 100% control. Nathaniel was confronted about what was good about him, and most importantly, what was bad and in need of the power of Christ. Nathaniel was greatly shaken when the Lord said, “Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.” Nathaniel was confronted and had nowhere to run. Is the Lord confronting you about where you are at in your relationship with Him?
We see Nathaniel and his confession.
Nathaniel made confession of his need of Christ! “Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.” He confessed Jesus as Savior! He did not need to see a miracle to convince him. The omniscience of Christ sufficed. Someone great came out of Nazareth. He believed and confessed with his mouth that Jesus is the sinless Son of God Who came to die for his sins. He confessed Jesus as Sovereign. This gave recognition of his submission to the Lordship of Christ. It gave indication that he was ready to serve the Lord and do whatever God wanted him to do. Have you arrived at the place in your life where Jesus is your Savior? Have you arrived at the place where Jesus is Lord of all?
We see Nathaniel and his contribution.
Jesus told Nathaniel that he would see greater things than these. He told him that he would see angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man. Jesus would prepare, develop, and train Nathaniel for the work of the Lord. Nathaniel became one of the twelve apostles. He would see Jesus be exalted through His teachings, miracles, and eventually through His death on the cross. Nathaniel would impact the world by spreading the gospel. He would see God answer his prayers. He would see God use him to bring others to a saving knowledge of Christ. His name means "the gift of God." He discovered that God saved him from his sins. He discovered that God would answer his prayers. He discovered that God could use him in a great way. He would see souls saved and churches started. Nathaniel would make a substantial contribution in the life of others.
Nathaniel made a great discovery when he met the Lord. The best thing that happened to you is when you met the Lord. Make your contribution in the lives of others. Let the Lord use you for His glory.
Have a service-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Luke 17-18