Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.”
But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come Nazareth?”
The conversations in today’s gospel, first between Nathanael and Philip and then Nathanael and Jesus, can teach us a lot.
(But first, a side note: Today is the Feast of St. Bartholomew, Apostle, and most scholars believe Nathanael and Bartholomew were the same person, with Nathanael being a more intimate, personal name.)
Besides being a beautiful, detailed story about Jesus calling one of his beloved disciples, John’s gospel says much about friendship, skepticism, trust, and the importance of being open to changing our minds when confronted with new information.
I first notice how Philip is so eager to share his excitement over his experience and his newfound faith. How often, or easily, do we share our spiritual experiences or insights with our friends and loved ones?
Next, I notice how Philip is so comfortable with his friend that he doesn’t take offense at Nathanael’s rebuke. It seems he accepts it and simply suggests Nathanael come and see Jesus for himself. No pressure, no argument, no big explanation. He doesn’t proselytize; he just invites. Personally, on the other hand, I know I often go on and on when trying to convince people of things I deem important.
Nathanael’s sarcastic retort about Nazareth also reveals how close their friendship was. It might be one of my favorite exchanges in the Bible because it seems so human and real. He felt comfortable saying it, like an inside joke, knowing his friend wouldn’t take offense. I can see Philip maybe returning a half-smile at the remark.
Nathanael accepts the invitation in spite of his skepticism, and when they approach, Jesus says of Nathanael, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” (My Jerusalem Bible translates the quote as, “There is an Israelite who deserves the name ‘incapable of deceit.’”)
The ever-skeptical Nathanael replies, “How do you know me?” I like that. I personally believe skepticism is healthy because it helps prevent us from being deceived by scam artists and imposters. Jesus liked it too; in fact, he had just praised Nathanael for his ability to “tell it like it is,” so he must have chuckled to himself over Nathanael’s need for answers.
Jesus replies that he saw him “under the fig tree,” before Philip had even approached him. We don’t know exactly what that means, but it was obviously something Nathanael realized Jesus couldn’t have known with normal human perception. Wherever the fig tree was, whether physically or metaphorically, it held special meaning for Nathanael. He knew Jesus must possess supernatural power to have been aware of that.
Nathanael immediately changes his mind about who Jesus is. The skeptic becomes a convert. How refreshing. May we be as eager to drop preconceived ideas when confronted with the truth, and especially when we experience God’s love in an unexpected way as we go about our days.
Lord, we pray for the wisdom to recognize the opportunities you present us each day, and we ask you to help us loosen our grip on whatever may separate us – ego, comforts, material possessions – from you.
Cindy Murphy McMahon
I am retired after 17 years with Creighton’s University Communications and Marketing office, most recently as associate director of communications. I graduated in journalism from Creighton in the mid-’70s, and the skills I first learned there have provided a fulfilling career, including newspaper reporting, photography and editing; teaching; public relations and marketing; and freelance writing and editing.
A native of Chicago, I met my husband, Tom McMahon, in Omaha and we have been here for most of our married life. We have been blessed with three sons and seven grandchildren, and spending time with my family is my greatest joy.
I am grateful for the opportunity to explore my faith and the Scriptures by writing reflections for Creighton’s Online Ministries, and consider it a blessing and privilege. I enjoy hearing from, and learning from, people who read the reflections.
