Leadership through Discipleship #23

Nathanael, The Power of Sincerity

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" (John 1:47).

John 1:35-46 gives the background to the meeting of Jesus and Nathanael. Prior to this encounter, Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, became a follower of Christ. Afterwards, Andrew brought his brother Simon. Jesus called him to discipleship and renamed him Cephas (or Peter). The following day, Jesus found Philip and called him to follow. Just as Andrew immediately sought out his brother to share the good news of the Messiah, Philip at once went to Nathanael to share the news of his discovery, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets, wrote -- Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”

Nathanael was skeptical, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Nazareth was an active city in the northern part of the land, west of the Sea of Galilee. Due to the close proximity and influence of its Gentile neighbors, Nazareth was identified by Matthew, in the words of the prophet Isaiah, as being “Galilee of the Gentiles” (Matthew 4:15, Isaiah 9:1). It was not thought of as a birthplace for prophets or a home for the Messiah.

Philip said to him, “Come and see.” No amount of argument or discussion could persuade the doubtful disciple. Philip knew if Nathanael would just see Him, doubt would be deterred and faith would come to him as well. When Jesus saw them coming toward Him he called out, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”

Jesus identified and spoke about the character of Nathanael. First, that he was a true Israelite, a genuine son of Israel. In other words he was not just a Hebrew, or a Jew, but he was sincere in his faith and true to the traditions of his training. Further, Jesus commended his honesty, his transparent integrity, “in whom is no guile.” Guile is defined as craftiness, cunning, deceit, or deception. The opposite virtues are truth, honesty, and sincerity.

How could Jesus know these things? He was God and was given supernatural knowledge. This revelation caused Nathanael to become a believer and an ardent disciple. Christ recognized the transparent integrity in this man and knew that he would a true disciple. Sincere Christians make passionate followers. Others who are dedicated in their religious beliefs will become just as sincerely devoted when they come to the knowledge of the truth.

Serve God in truth, honesty, and sincerity. Observe those traits in others and you will find people of great potential for the Kingdom of God.