Jesus Calls Philip and Nathanael (John 1:43-51)

Jesus told Philip to follow him. What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

Notice what Philip said to Nathanael: “We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote.” What might this say about Philip’s study habits? What had Moses said about the Christ? What had the prophets written about the Christ?

Philip referred to Jesus as the “son of Joseph.” Why would Philip erroneously refer to Jesus as Joseph’s son? In what way(s) was Jesus Joseph’s son?

“Nathanael said to [Philip], ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’” Why would Nathanael be prejudiced against Nazareth? Why should we not be prejudiced against someone’s ethnicity and/or hometown? What might we miss because of such prejudice?

What would cause Philip to be excited to take Nathanael to Jesus in spite of Nathanael’s prejudice?

When Jesus saw Nathanael, the Lord said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” The mention of Nathanael as an Israelite in whom there is no deceit likely refers back to Israel who deceived his father in order to gain the birthright. How can we be people without deceit?

Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree and knew him. What might this teach us about Jesus’ knowledge of people? Notice that Jesus knew good about Nathanael – he saw that his soon-to-be disciple was without deceit. What good does Jesus know about you? How might Jesus know more good about you?

Why did Nathanael confess his faith in Jesus? What can lead people today to confess faith in Jesus? How can we show we have faith in Jesus?

When would Nathanael see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man?