(The following questions attempt to unearth some of the fundamental concerns for Law and Gospel preachers. They are meant to be used in conjunction with other sets of questions which illuminate the text. For more on this unique genre of preaching see my brief guide, Afflicting the Comfortable, Comforting the Afflicted, available from wipfandstock.com or amazon.)
1. How does the Word function in the text? Jesus is the Word in this text and his words to Nathanael are either affirming or outright promise, thus they are gospel in function. Also, the confessions of both Philip and Nathanael are gospel in function as they announce the identity of Christ: "him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote," also "Son of God", and "King of Israel."
2. How is the Word not functioning in the text? There is really no hint of Law here. Some readers find doubt in Nathanael's questioning of Jesus' hometown, but others suggest that he is simply expressing surprise since he knows that the Messiah shall come from Bethlehem. In any case, there is little here that hints to our need for a Savior.
3. With whom are you identifying in the text? We could identify briefly with Philip, but since the text is centered on Nathanael, it is he with whom we should identify. We are those who have heard the testimony of others concerning this Christ. We are those who have questions and are invited to "come and see." We are those who have seen signs of the Christ and have confessed faith. Finally, we are those who have received the promises that we are part of God's people.
4. What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text? The call to obedience comes early to Philip: "Follow me." This is the simplest form of Jesus' call to obedience.
5. What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text? Since no word of Law is present here, we shall need to imagine the Law to go with each couplet. Some suggestions: doubt/faith; defensiveness/confidence; you once were no people/now you are God's people.
6. Exegetical work: As context for this passage it is important to note that as John the Baptizer spoke of his own work earlier in this chapter he said that he came "baptizing with water for this reason, that [Jesus] might be revealed to Israel." (1:31) The role of Israel is definitely front and center in this passage. First, Philip announces that "we have found him about whom Moses in the law and also the prophets wrote," in other words, the One whom the Hebrew scriptures bear witness to. Then Jesus identifies Nathanael as "truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit." This suggests a connection to Jacob, whose name we know means deceiver. (Gen. 25:26) Next, Nathanael calls Jesus "King of Israel," a title which is included in no other confession. Finally, Jesus says, in a clear allusion to Jacob's dream in Genesis 28, that Nathanael will "see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man." Peter Ellis, in his composition-critical commentary on this gospel says the following: "The symbolism of the 'angels ascending and descending upon the Son of man' is to designate Jesus as the place (like Bethel - 'house of God') of God's full revelation. As Jacob said of his dream, 'This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.' (Gen. 28: 17)" (The Genius of John, p. 38) The other piece of this puzzle is Nathanael's identity. As noted above, why is Nathanael never included in the Synoptic lists of disciples? Could it be that the writer of the Fourth gospel is not introducing us to an actual apostle here, but to one who represents followers of Christ who form a "new Israel"? When we look at Genesis 28 we see that immediately following Jacob's dream, God made vast promises to him that would form the basis of the nation of Israel. Is it not worth considering that Nathanael is a new Jacob, one of the first called to be part of this new reign of Christ which is breaking into the world and calling us all to follow?
7. How does the Crossings Community model work with this text? Archived under the Second Sunday after Epiphany, you will find an analysis by Bill White which highlights how the Law might play out if we assume that Nathanael's statements veer toward unbelief. Clearly the emphasis of the text is on the gospel words which Jesus proclaims (as noted above), and in White's prognosis you can see this. Go to crossings.org/text study to see the entire analysis.
Blessings on your proclamation!
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