To read the texts click on the texts: Rev 21:9-14; Jn 1:45-51
Bartholomew
was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus, and is usually identified as Nathanael
(mentioned in the first chapter of John's Gospel). According to the Gospel of
John, he was brought to Jesus by Philip. It is Nathanael whom Jesus calls “an
Israelite in whom there is no guile”. Though Nathanael is not mentioned in any
list of the Twelve, Bartholomew is mentioned by all the Synoptic Gospels and
also the Acts of the Apostles. One reason why Bartholomew is identified as
Nathanael is because in all the lists of the Twelve Bartholomew is named in the
company of Philip.
Unlike
the first two disciples who followed Jesus (1:35-40), here Jesus invites Philip
to discipleship. Even more significant that the call of Philip, is what happens
to Philip as a result of his call. He cannot remain silent about it and wants
another to know and encounter Jesus. Thus, he finds Nathanael and bears witness
about Jesus. This he does in two ways. He first points Jesus out as the
fulfilment of all scripture and then he refers to him as “Jesus, son of Joseph
from Nazareth.” This witness seems to bring out both divine and human origins
of Jesus and once again reminds us of the mystery that Jesus is and continues
to be. Immediately after Philip’s testimony, there is resistance on the part of
Nathanael, yet Philip does not argue but responds in the words that Jesus had
used to invite the first two disciples: “Come and see”.
Though
having an opinion about where the Messiah would come from, Nathanael remains
open to another revelation. Though sceptical, he is willing to be convinced.
Jesus addresses Nathanael as an “Israelite” which signifies his faithfulness to
the law and is used here in a positive sense. He is without guile because
though he has questions and even doubts, he is open and receptive and willing
to learn. Jesus’ intimate knowledge of Nathanael and the revelation that he
makes to him leads to a transformation in Nathanael and he comes to faith. He
responds to Jesus with a confession and though he begins with Rabbi, he moves
on to recognizing Jesus as Son of God and King of Israel.
However,
Jesus responds by pointing out to Nathanael that this is only the beginning of
the revelation that Jesus makes. If he continues to remain open he will
experience even greater things. By means of a double “Amen”, Jesus points out
to Nathanael and to others there that he will be the bridge between heaven and
earth. He will be that place and person in whom the earthly and divine
encounter each other. He as Son of man will make God known.
Scepticism
and cynicism are common among many people. While this is not a problem in
itself, what causes the problem is when these lead to a closed attitude. In a
world in which we refuse to believe unless we first see, Jesus seems to be
saying to us like he said to Nathanael “First believe than you will see”.
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