Saint Bartholomew

Jesus Sees Nathaniel under a Fig Tree

John 1: 43 - 50

When Peter declared to Jesus, "Truly you are the Christ, the Son of the Living God," Jesus replied, "Upon this rock I will build my church."

When Nathaniel made the same declaration as Peter, months or even years earlier, at the very beginning of Jesus' ministry, how did Jesus reply?

The lists of the disciples' names always total twelve, but some include Bartholomew (the son of Tolmei) and others include Nathaniel.

We believe that both names refer to the same person.

Philip's simple statement, "Come and see," is the basis for all Christian evangelism.

The image of angels ascending and descending from heaven comes from a dream of Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.

1. Who told Nathaniel about Jesus?

[Philip told Nathaniel about Jesus.]

2. What was Nathaniel's first reaction to Philip's news?

[Nathaniel said, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"]

3. What did Nathaniel ask Jesus?

[Nathaniel asked Jesus, "How do you know me?"]

4. What did Jesus reply?

[Jesus replied, "Before Philip called you, I saw you sitting under a fig tree."]

5. What was Nathaniel's final declaration?

[Nathaniel said, "Rabbi, you are the son of God and the king of Israel."]

People | HomePage | Calendar | Lessons | St. Bartholomew Art