Nathanael is totally blown away by Jesus’ revelation. He is not prepared for this most unusual introduction. I do not know what his expectations are after Phillip’s invitation, but they must not have been very high, after all, this latest in a long line of wannabe Messiahs is from Nazareth. Instead his encounter with Jesus totally shifts his thinking. Jesus knows what it would take to convince him. In the big scheme of things, this really isn’t Jesus’ greatest miracle, but it is sufficient to elicit a three-fold confession from this newest convert.
First, he calls Jesus “Master.” He declares himself to be a disciple of this
Man of Nazareth. He wants to learn, in
spite of his previously nonchalant attitude he admits that he has much to learn
from this Man. Secondly, he calls Jesus
the “Son of God.” That is quite a
declaration coming from the lips of one not easily impressed. He ascribes divinity to Jesus. He sees in this man more than a simple
prophet with a message, but the very embodiment of God in human flesh. Jesus is someone to be worshipped. And finally, Nathanael declares Jesus to be the
King of Israel—which includes himself.
He is pledging total and unreserved allegiance and loyalty to his King. This is tantamount to declaring Jesus the
promised Messiah who would rule the nation and deliver it from oppression.
Master, God, and King—that is quite a
trifecta! I am challenged daily to
acknowledge the need I have to be taught; my need to be awed; and my need to be
ruled by someone wiser, greater, and more worthy than myself. I need a Nathanael experience! How would my life be different if I sat down
every day at the feet of my Master; if I lived every moment in the presence of
my Creator; and experienced a sense of true surrender and loyalty to the King
of the universe who longs to reign in my heart and soul? I wonder….
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