45 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.”
46 Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.”
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49 Nathanael answered Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.”
50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” John 1:43-51.
Nathanael was inquisitive. Nathanael said to Philip, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Nathanael wanted to check out Jesus, so he came to see Jesus. In response to Jesus’ comment, Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?”
Nathanael was without deceit. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him, and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”
Nathanael was faithful. Nathanael answered Jesus, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” Jesus recognized that Nathanael demonstrated faith over comparative little evidence of Jesus’ deity by remarking: “Because I said to you that I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
So, what is the lesson for us today?
Sometimes, maybe most of the time, God chooses shockingly rough characters to save, such as the Apostle Paul, who identified himself as the chief of sinners. “It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.” 1 Timothy 1:15-16.
But, we also have a duty to prepare ourselves for the Lord. In this same chapter, we read of the ministry of John the Baptist. “He said, “I am A VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE STRAIGHT THE WAY OF THE LORD,’ as Isaiah the prophet said.” John 1:23. John the Baptist said: “Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.” Luke 3:8. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, prepared for every good work. Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. ” 2 Timothy 2:21-22.
Scripture also states: “O LORD, who may abide in Your tent? Who may dwell on Your holy hill? He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.” Psalm 15:1-2.
As Reformed believers, it may be particularly tempting to us to just cry out “Total Depravity” and sit on our hands and wait for salvation.
The lesson of Nathanael may be that, through God’s grace, we should continually seek to diligently add moral qualities to our faith.
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge, and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness, and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.
For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. For he who lacks these qualities is blind or short-sighted, having forgotten his purification from his former sins.
Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; for in this way the entrance into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be abundantly supplied to you.” 2 Peter 1:5-11.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 