Hiding Nathaniel

John 1:45-50

45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." 46 Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" 48 Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." 49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" 50 Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these."

At first glance this passage is a little puzzling. Especially in regard to our gifts and abilities. What gifts can we observe from this passage? Nathaniel should be rebuked, don’t you think? He is such a skeptic. He just couldn’t believe. Poor Nathaniel. Yet, that is not what Christ does. Christ praises Nathaniel for the gifts He had already given to him. Nathaniel spoke the truth, he was one of those people its not always pleasant to be around. Those folks that see the truth, tell the truth, and discern the truth. What a gift! With all gifts come pitfalls, warnings, and dangers. Gifts, if not used for the glory of God turn into self-serving, selfish, and “me” centered endeavors. Isn’t that true of your gifts?

Jesus didn’t rebuke Nathaniel; He simply told him that He knew everything about him. He knew the loneliness that Nathaniel had experienced having the gift of discernment. He knew how this pain had caused Nathaniel not to get too close to anyone very much. Hiding under the fig tree was his style. Waiting, searching, looking from afar, those were Nathaniel’s “modus operandi.” God is waiting to use the gifts He has given you for His glory. Sometimes they come in strange packages. Nathaniel's did. Know first, that they came from Him, and He will not tolerate the pride you might fall into when they are successful. What are your gifts? If you don’t know already begin to find out. Ask friends, parents, and professors, those that know you the best. And know you can only receive what is given to you from heaven.

ü What have you been given?

ü List gifts, both spiritual and physical.

ü Get feed back from those that know you the best.

ü Tell others what you have observed in their life.

ü How can you encourage them to use their gifts for God’s glory?