Nathanael: a man of honesty, straightforwardness and faith

Nathanael, sometimes called Bartholomew, is a disciple which little is known but a lot can be learned from. It is thought that his two names are derived from his full name: Nathanael Bar-Tolmai. Nathanael means “God has given” and Bar-Tolmai means son of Tolmai. While his occupation is unknown, Nathanael was a man of honesty, straightforwardness, insight and faith. Even though he initially rejected Jesus, he recognized him as the Son of God and the King of Israel. He was a man in “whom there is nothing false” by Jesus (John 1:47). From Nathanael’s example, we learn that Jesus respects honesty in people and even if they challenge him because of it. Nathanael becomes a key leader in the early church. Who was Nathanael? Why is skepticism normal and even healthy? Jesus saw an authentic believer in Nathan. How did he know? 

Philip found Nathanael and told him about Jesus (John 1:45); however, Nathanael responded with skepticism, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” (John 1:46). Nazareth was hated with the Roman garrison there and the town had a poor reputation in morals and religion among its residents. Nathanael’s hometown is Cana, about four miles from Nazareth and he would have been well aware of the town. Nathanael was well versed in the Law of Moses and the prophets. However, he was not a member of the academic elite. He undertook the study of the scriptures as a hobby, a personal passion and not a profession. However, despite his prejudice, Nathanael still came to meet Jesus. As he approached, Jesus knew him before they physically met. It is evidence that Jesus knows us all who we really are before we come to him. God knows the real you and still wants you to follow him. God knew us before he formed us in our mother’s wombs (Jeremiah 1:5) for a plan and a purpose (Jeremiah 29:11). 

While Judeans saw Galileans as lower, even the Galileans viewed Nazareth as rough, uncultured and uneducated. A modern comparison would be that many people outside of California see its residents as “loony leftists” or “the land of fruits and nuts.” Even though the description doesn’t describe everyone here. It is understandable why Nathanael was skeptical when Philip announced that Jesus of Nazareth was the one the Law, Moses and the prophets wrote about (John 1:45). Skepticism is defined as doubt as to the truth of something. Honest skepticism is a healthy and constructive attitude characterized by a willingness to question claims and being open to new evidence and reason. There are five characteristics to honest skepticism. First, openness to evidence. There must be a willingness to consider new evidence and arguments. Second, critical thinking. An ability to analyze information, to identify potential biases and evaluate the validity of claims before accepting or rejecting them. Third, self awareness. One must recognize their own susceptibility to bias and error in their personal judgment. Fourth, humility. There must be a willingness to be wrong and adjust views in light of new evidence. Lastly, respectful inquiry. Honest skepticism respectfully engages with others to seek understanding of new perspectives and reasonings. 

Despite Nathanael’s skepticism and prejudices, Jesus saw in him an authentic believer. There was nothing fake or insincere about him. Essentially, Nathanael was not a hypocrite. Jesus saw through the sinful, the imperfect and the ordinary to the eager heart who was willing to leave everything to follow Him. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus says “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” The Greek word for pure is katharos meaning “clean, blameless, unstained from guilt” and the Greek word for heart is kardeeah meaning the physical heart as well as the spiritual center of thoughts, desires and sense of purpose. Being pure of heart means to be free from hypocrisy and ulterior motives and a focus on God. Seeing God refers to experiencing His presence. Being pure of heart does not mean believers are free from sin or struggles, it just means that they are driven by love and devotion to God. A pure heart is a willing heart for God. Answering God’s call with eagerness (Isaiah 6:8) and focusing our actions as if for God and not for man (Colossians 4:9). 

In conclusion, after the resurrection and the ascension, the last verse that speaks of Nathanael is Acts 2:1-4 on the Day of Pentecost. Church history suggests he traveled and ministered to parts of Persia and India, even as far as Armenia where he is claimed as a saint. Nathanael was a man of honesty and despite his prejudice, he was willing to meet Jesus and examine the claims and believed when the claims proved to be true. Honest skepticism is normal as we examine and weigh new evidence. God sees our heart and when we are eager and focused on Him, we can experience His presence in a deep and meaningful way. Nathanael may not have been as prominent as Peter or John; but his honesty and faith is still a lesson we can learn from and an example to strive to be.