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Disciple: Nathanael

 {Disciples} NATHANAEL_ 

Developing spiritual insight 

 
We all have ‘special places’ in our lives. Places that are comfortable or familiar, where we’re able to read God’s word or sit in stillness and quiet or pray and bring our desires and longings before God. 
Nathanael has a quiet spot too. Jesus said that he saw Nathanael “under the fig tree” (John 1:48). For many people in Galilee the fig tree, traditionally planted near the front door of a house, was a place of quiet for rest or study or prayer. Since most homes had only one or two rooms, the spreading branches of a fig tree were where a person could retreat for privacy and solitude. 

 

[Group discussion starter] In what place do you feel closest to God? Why? 

 
The name Bartholomew is listed among the Twelve in every New Testament list. The fourth Gospel, however, doesn’t mention Bartholomew but tells us about Nathanael. It seems that they are the same person. 
Bartholomew could be Nathanael’s second name since it means “son of Tolmai”. Nathanael (“gift of God”) was probably his personal name or a name that Jesus gave to him. The Bible tells us very little about this man, but it gives us more detail about Nathanael’s first encounter with Jesus (and his call to follow Jesus) than that of any other disciple. 

 
[Read John 1:43-51] 

 

Skim through the passage again and make a note of all the names and titles used to describe Jesus. 

 

 

 

Which of these names/titles are most meaningful to you right now and why? 

 

In verse 45, what insight about Jesus was most exciting to Philip and why? 

Why did Nathanael find it hard to believe Philip’s statement? 
 

 

What stereotypes or prejudices prevent people today from trusting Jesus? 
 

 

What does Jesus’ assessment of Nathanael tell you about the character of this man (verse 47)? 
 

 
Imagine what Jesus would say about you if he made an honest assessment of your life and character. 
How would it make you feel? 
 

 

Nathanael responds to Jesus’ words with skepticism until Jesus reveals that he had seen Nathanael in the private place of prayer and study “under the fig tree”. 
Why was that such a convincing remark to Nathanael? 
 

 

What convinced you to be a follower of Jesus? 
 

 

In verses 50-51, once Nathanael commits himself to Jesus, what does Jesus promise him? 
 

 

Have you gained deeper insight into who Jesus is since you first made a commitment to him?  
How has that insight come to you? 
 

 

How do you demonstrate that Jesus is the Lord and King of your life?   

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