Week 7: Chapter 6 — Nathanael (Bartholomew): A Man Without Guile

1.Nathanael's first recorded words are skeptical: 'Can anything good come out of Nazareth?' (John 1:46). MacArthur notes this was likely a regional prejudice, not a theological objection. What does it tell us that Jesus chose a man with such an initial disposition — and that He apparently held it against him not at all?

2.When Jesus sees Nathanael coming, He declares, 'Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit' (John 1:47). MacArthur calls this one of the most remarkable character endorsements in Scripture. What does 'no guile' or 'no deceit' actually look like in a person's life? How rare do you think it is?

3.Nathanael's response — 'How do you know me?' — reveals that he is startled by being seen so clearly. Jesus' answer ('I saw you under the fig tree') immediately brings Nathanael to a breathtaking confession of faith. MacArthur sees this as a picture of how the experience of being truly known by God leads to genuine worship. Has the experience of being fully known by God ever moved you in a similar way?