Nathanael: The Truth Seeker

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE:

In seeking truth there are people who base truth primarily on:

1. Personal Experience
2. Popular Opinion
3. Expert Guidance
4. Upbringing or Tradition

How have you seen these things be helpful or harmful? 

INTRO: As we’ve studied through the 12 disciples it seems evident that the Holy Spirit was already at work in their hearts and lives, because many of them seem to have been actively looking for the Messiah.  Several of them had been interacting with and listening to the preaching of John the Baptist, who was preparing the way of the Lord.  But Nathanael stands out because of how seriously he took his faith and how much he sought to live in truth. 

STUDY: For Nathanael’s encounter with Jesus read John 1:43-51.

What does Philip base his plea on that this is the Messiah? 

Nathanael seems hesitant to buy into Jesus as the messiah based on what Philip has shared with Him.  What makes him object? 

What does Jesus do to overcome Nathanael’s concerns? 

What do you think about what Jesus says to Nathanael…Is it possible to be without deceit? 

What would it look like today, for someone to attempt to walk in truth? 

Why do you think so many of us fall into the trap of pretending, hiding or ignoring the issues inside of us? 

If we can see ourselves as we truly are, do you think that will also help us see Jesus for who He really is?  Why? 

A prayer that Jesus prayed for all of His followers is…John 17:17-19 ¹⁷ “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.¹⁸ “As You sent Me into the world, I also have sent them into the world. ¹⁹ “For their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they themselves also may be sanctified in truth.

What does this prayer mean? (Sanctify = set apart)
What might that look like? 

What does it look like for us to follow Jesus’ example in this?  How can we be truth seekers? 

What do we need to do so that when Jesus returns, we can be like Philip and Nathanael who recognize Him?