REFLECTIONS TODAY
In John, Philip is instrumental in bringing Nathanael to Jesus (1:45). In Jesus’ choice of the Twelve (Apostles), the name Bartholomew follows that of Philip (Mt 10:3), so it is construed that Nathanael and Bartholomew could be the same person. In Jewish culture, it is customary to identify the son after his father. Perhaps, Nathanael is Bar-Talmai (Greek Bartholomaios) or “son of furrows” or farmer. Jesus refers to Nathanael as “a true Israelite,” indicating that he is a faithful adherent to the Mosaic Law, or a contrast to Jacob the deceiver and supplanter, the first to bear the name “Israel.” Perhaps, Nathanael was a disciple of John the Baptist, and as a searcher of the Messiah, there was “no duplicity” in him. He is a good candidate to be Jesus’ disciple, but before he can give testimony to Jesus, he must know the person of Jesus. The invitation to “come and see” is the start of his schooling under the Rabbi-Teacher Jesus. This is done on the road and in a manner “up close and personal.” By knowing Jesus, he begins to love Him, and then to follow Him in the mission of preaching the Good News of salvation.
Gospel • John 1:45-51
Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him and said of him, “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to Him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God; You are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And He said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2022,” St. Pauls, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: publishing@stpauls.ph; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.