Nathanael's Confession
1. The King of Israel (1:43-51)
The call and confession of Nathanael is part of a larger pericope namely Nathanael’s Confession (1:35-51) which John uses to show how the disciples come to know Jesus as the King of Israel.
The phrase Τῇ ἐπαύριον occurs several times within John's gospel. It serves to signify a change in events which have similar meaning. The passages 1: 29-34, 35-42, and 43-51, all begin with this phrase and each, in its own unique way, gives a separate account of a confession in regard to Jesus’ identity: a) Lamb of God (v. 29), Son of God (v.34), and Lamb of God (v. 36); b) Messiah (v. 41); c) Son of God and King of Israel (v. 49); and d) Son of Man (v. 31). The call of Nathanael (vv.43-51) is of particular significance because it serves as a transition in the gospel. John moves from Jesus’ origin (i.e., from God incarnate) to who people see Jesus as. …show more content…
Behold: Your King! (12:12-19)
In order to fulfill his kingship, Jesus must have followers. The scene now is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This time their demonstration of acclaiming him a king was undoubtedly associated more strongly with what he did rather than who he was. Those who follow him come to his side because the miracles which he performs testify to his rightful claim to kingship.
So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, "You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him! (12:17-19)
The Pharisees are well aware of what is happening. They find it impossible to dispute the fact that this man is performing many miraculous signs, especially now after raising Lazarus from the dead. And people assumed that entering Jerusalem, Jesus would restore the kingdom of Israel and bring national deliverance from their political enemies, the
The call and confession of Nathanael is part of a larger pericope namely Nathanael’s Confession (1:35-51) which John uses to show how the disciples come to know Jesus as the King of Israel.
The phrase Τῇ ἐπαύριον occurs several times within John's gospel. It serves to signify a change in events which have similar meaning. The passages 1: 29-34, 35-42, and 43-51, all begin with this phrase and each, in its own unique way, gives a separate account of a confession in regard to Jesus’ identity: a) Lamb of God (v. 29), Son of God (v.34), and Lamb of God (v. 36); b) Messiah (v. 41); c) Son of God and King of Israel (v. 49); and d) Son of Man (v. 31). The call of Nathanael (vv.43-51) is of particular significance because it serves as a transition in the gospel. John moves from Jesus’ origin (i.e., from God incarnate) to who people see Jesus as. …show more content…
Behold: Your King! (12:12-19)
In order to fulfill his kingship, Jesus must have followers. The scene now is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. This time their demonstration of acclaiming him a king was undoubtedly associated more strongly with what he did rather than who he was. Those who follow him come to his side because the miracles which he performs testify to his rightful claim to kingship.
So the crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify. It was also because they heard that he had performed this sign that the crowd went to meet him. The Pharisees then said to one another, "You see, you can do nothing. Look, the world has gone after him! (12:17-19)
The Pharisees are well aware of what is happening. They find it impossible to dispute the fact that this man is performing many miraculous signs, especially now after raising Lazarus from the dead. And people assumed that entering Jerusalem, Jesus would restore the kingdom of Israel and bring national deliverance from their political enemies, the