"The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, ‘We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’" — John 1:43-46
The calling of Nathanael is a beautiful picture of how Christ calls His followers and reveals His divine knowledge and grace. This passage highlights the sovereign initiative of Jesus, the skepticism of Nathanael, and the undeniable evidence that Jesus is the Son of God.
In verse 43, Jesus takes the initiative to call Philip, just as He had done with Andrew and Peter. This reminds us that salvation begins with God’s initiative, not man’s pursuit (John 6:44). No one comes to Christ unless the Father draws him. Philip, upon encountering Jesus, immediately goes to find Nathanael, demonstrating the natural response of a true disciple—bringing others to Christ.
When Philip tells Nathanael about Jesus, he responds with skepticism: “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (v. 46). Nathanael, likely a student of the Old Testament, would not have expected the Messiah to come from an obscure town like Nazareth. His response reflects human tendency to judge based on preconceived notions. However, Philip does not argue or debate—he simply says, “Come and see.” This is the same invitation Jesus had extended earlier (John 1:39). True faith comes not from argument but from a personal encounter with Christ.
As Nathanael approaches, Jesus declares, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (v. 47). This statement reveals Christ’s divine knowledge—He sees beyond Nathanael’s skepticism and knows his heart. Nathanael is stunned and asks, “How do you know me?” Jesus answers, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
Many scholars believe that Nathanael had been praying or meditating under the fig tree, possibly reflecting on the coming Messiah. Jesus knew him before he even approached, proving His divine omniscience. Nathanael’s skepticism melts away, and he proclaims, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (v. 49).
This passage highlights two key truths. First, Jesus sovereignly calls His disciples—they do not find Him; He finds them. Second, Jesus knows us intimately—our doubts, struggles, and hearts are fully seen by Him. Just as Nathanael moved from doubt to belief, every person must encounter Christ personally and respond in faith.
Application:
- Like Philip, share Christ with others and invite them to “come and see.”
- If you struggle with doubts, bring them to Jesus—He already knows your heart.
- Rest in the truth that Christ sees and calls His own, drawing them into true faith.
Jesus knows you. Will you trust Him today?