Twelve Were Chosen
A Study of the Original Apostles
Philip and Nathanael
Friends to All
Stratégie d'enseignement
The focus of this lesson is on biblical information about these two close friends and what we learn from them. Of special note is a demonstration of the importance and result of bringing someone to Jesus.
Résultats de l'apprentissage des étudiants
- Know: Learn the characteristics of the apostles that enable us to influence others for Jesus.
- Feel: Value the apostles as role models in serving the Lord.
- Do: Apply the characteristics of the apostles in our life of faithful service to the Lord.
Corps de la leçon
Questions à discuter
Vous trouverez ci-dessous des suggestions de questions à utiliser pendant la partie de la leçon consacrée à la discussion guidée. Vous trouverez également des suggestions de réponses aux questions pour aider les élèves à saisir les différents concepts. Ces réponses sont fournies pour faciliter la discussion et ne sont pas considérées comme des réponses "justes ou fausses".
- Philip was the fifth named apostle in each of the listings.
- Jesus calls Philip directly to follow him (John 1:43).
- Upon being called, Philip immediately tells his friend Nathanael about Jesus.
- Philip was "tested" by Jesus at the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-6).
- Philip brings two foreigners (Greeks) to Andrew so they can meet Jesus (John 12:20-26).
Philip had to grow in his faith, just like everyone else. As he began his life as a disciple he immediately began to bring others to Jesus, thus placing the focus away from self and onto Jesus. He demonstrated a desire to know more of Jesus and how he could grow spiritually.
In John 1 we read where Philip came to Nathanael to tell him about Jesus. Nathanael was sitting under a fig tree, which was the customary place for someone to study, meditate on God's word, and pray. Upon hearing Philip's statement that he had found the one spoken of in scripture, Jesus of Nazareth, he responds with doubt but goes with Philip. Jesus tells Nathanael he saw him under the fig tree, showing that he was aware of who Nathanael was and what he customarily did. Further, he identified Nathanael as an Israelite without deceit. Nathanael declares Jesus as, Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel".
Nathanael was both types of seeker. He was seeking knowledge and wisdom about God before meeting Jesus (sitting under the fig tree studying scripture), and later, he became a seeker with specific purpose of showing Jesus to others and living by God's will.
We too have been, and are perhaps now, a seeker not sure of direction or purpose in our life. We find true direction and purpose through Jesus. When we become a disciple of Jesus our direction and purpose now transform into seeking to follow the will of our Lord and Master and to show Him to others.