by Doreen Kajulu | 11 January 2020 08:46 am01
John 1:47 (NIV): “When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.'”
Philip and Nathanael were devoted Jewish men, likely disciples of John the Baptist (cf. John 1:35-45), who spent much of their time studying the Scriptures and anticipating the coming of the Messiah. They had a deep understanding of the Law (Torah) and the Prophets, including messianic prophecies such as:
Micah 5:2 (NIV): “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel…”
Deuteronomy 18:15 (NIV): “The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”
Like many Jews at the time, they expected the Messiah to deliver Israel from Roman oppression and usher in God’s kingdom.
When Jesus calls Philip with the simple invitation, “Follow Me” (John 1:43), Philip immediately recognizes something divine in Him. He doesn’t keep it to himself but goes to share this life-changing discovery with Nathanael.
John 1:45 (NIV): “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.”
Despite knowing that the Messiah was prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, Philip tells Nathanael Jesus is from Nazareth. This shows his eagerness to share, even before fully understanding how all the prophecies align (Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem – Luke 2:4-7, but raised in Nazareth).
Nathanael’s response is skeptical:
John 1:46 (NIV): “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?”
This reflects a common view of Nazareth at the time—a small, insignificant town. But Philip wisely doesn’t argue; he simply invites: “Come and see.”
This is a model for evangelism: don’t argue, invite. Let people encounter Jesus directly through Scripture, prayer, and genuine Christian community.
As Nathanael approaches, Jesus says something astonishing:
John 1:47 (NIV): “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”
Jesus acknowledges Nathanael’s sincerity, honesty, and spiritual integrity. This echoes Psalm 32:2 (NIV): “Blessed is the one… in whose spirit is no deceit.” Nathanael isn’t naïve—he simply has a heart open to truth.
When Nathanael asks how Jesus knows him, Jesus says:
John 1:48 (NIV): “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”
The fig tree was often a place of prayer, meditation, and study of the Law (cf. Micah 4:4). This statement reveals Jesus’ divine insight. Nathanael realizes he is in the presence of someone far greater than a teacher.
John 1:49 (NIV): “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”
His declaration affirms two key messianic titles:
Son of God – indicating divine nature (Psalm 2:7)
King of Israel – fulfilling messianic expectation (Zechariah 9:9)
Jesus responds:
John 1:50-51 (NIV): “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that. Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”
This refers to Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12). Jesus is now the bridge between heaven and earth—the mediator between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5). Nathanael is being promised deeper revelations and heavenly encounters.
Many today want God to reveal great things, but their hearts are not fully surrendered. A heart full of pride, religious argument, or compromise cannot receive deeper truth from God.
James 1:22 (NIV): “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
Examples of “deceit” in modern faith:
God reveals more to hearts that are honest, teachable, and obedient.
Just like Philip and Nathanael, you are being called to meet Jesus. He knows you, sees you, and desires to transform you. But you must respond with a sincere heart.
If you want to give your life to Christ, take a quiet moment now and pray:
“Heavenly Father, I come before You knowing I am a sinner. I have fallen short and deserve judgment. But You are rich in mercy and love. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son, who died for my sins and rose again. Today, I repent and turn away from all my sins. I ask You to forgive me and cleanse me with the blood of Jesus. Make me a new creation and fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I confess Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of my life. I commit to follow Him from this day forward. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you prayed that prayer sincerely:
Just like Nathanael, Jesus will walk with you and show you greater things than you could imagine.
Conclusion:
A heart without deceit is not a perfect heart—but it is a sincere one, open to truth and willing to change. If you want to know Jesus more deeply, start by laying aside religious pride, traditions, or excuses—and simply come and see.
Source URL: https://wingulamashahidi.org/en/2020/01/11/behold-a-true-israelite-in-whom-there-is-no-deceit/
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