Listen to Podcast:
2) GG Questions
11/10/19
Ordinary Men: Nathanael – A Forthright Man
1. Found: We have spent a lot of time in this series so far on John 1:35-51. One repeated theme we have
returned to again and again in these verse is seeking and ‘finding’. Count how many times the word “found” is
used in John 1:35-51. Who are the ‘seekers’? Who are the ‘found ones’? And what is John trying to teach us
about the nature and role of a disciple of Jesus in his repeated use of this verb?
2. Impulsive: It seems Nathanael shared another disciple, Peter’s, foot-in-the-mouth condition. How did
Nathanael react when Philip shared with him what should have been good news (John 1:45-46)? Are there
certain circumstances where your first, gut reaction is doubt, skepticism and disbelief? I love Philip’s response:
‘Come and see’ (1:39, 46). How does this invitation perfectly incapsulate God’s call not only to all skeptics but
all people everywhere?
3. Branch Man: Judging from Nathanael’s reaction, Jesus’ hometown wasn’t the most popular place in Israel.
And yet Matthew records: “what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled, that he would be called a
Nazarene” (Matt. 2:23). But… this actually isn’t an OT prophecy. Some have speculated, however, that
‘Nazareth’ sounds like the Hebrew word netser, meaning ‘branch’. What does Isaiah 11:1-9 and Jeremiah
33:14-17 possibly reveal about the significance of ‘branch’?
4. No Deceit: What follows is a fascinating, but rather odd exchange between Nathanael and Jesus. Jesus’ first
words to Nathanael are, ‘Behold, an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ (John 1:47). How would you like this
to be said of you, and by Jesus himself no less? What do you think this description meant? And, just like
before, Jesus invites Nathanael to ‘come and see’ greater things (1:50). What things might he be referring to?
What greater things does Jesus want to open your eyes to right now which perhaps you are struggling to
believe?
