Are You the Right Size? ∙∙
Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward him and said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel– a man of complete integrity.” – John 1:47
John 1:43-49
“On the next day, Jesus wanted to set out for Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, ‘Follow me.’ Philip then sought out Nathaniel and shared the news: ‘We have found the one Moses wrote about in the law, and the prophets also spoke of, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.’ Nathaniel skeptically replied, ‘Can anything good come out of Nazareth?’ Philip urged him, ‘Come and see.’”
“As Nathaniel approached, Jesus exclaimed, ‘Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!’ Nathaniel, confused, asked, ‘How do you know me?’ Jesus responded, ‘Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.’ To this, Nathaniel exclaimed, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel!’”
Stories of Humility: Lessons from George Washington
Two well-known stories about George Washington highlight his remarkable humility and servant leadership, offering timeless lessons for all.
The Commander-in-Chief and the Log
One day, George Washington was riding when he came across a group of soldiers struggling to move a heavy log. Nearby, their corporal stood watching, giving orders but offering no assistance. Washington asked the corporal why he wasn’t helping. The corporal replied, “I am the corporal. I give orders.”
Without hesitation, Washington dismounted his horse, joined the soldiers, and helped them lift the log. With his assistance, the task was completed. Afterward, Washington quietly mounted his horse, turned to the corporal, and said, “The next time your men need help, send for the commander-in-chief.”
The Wall and the Stones
On another occasion, Washington was riding near Washington, D.C., with a group of friends. As their horses jumped over a wall, one horse dislodged several stones.
“Better replace them,” Washington suggested.
“Oh, let the farmer do it,” one of his companions replied dismissively.
When the ride was over, Washington turned his horse back to the wall. Dismounting, he carefully replaced the stones himself. A companion, surprised by his actions, remarked, “Oh, General, you are too big to do that.”
Washington replied, “On the contrary, I am the right size.”
These stories demonstrate that genuine greatness originates from humility and a commitment to helping others.
True Humility: A Biblical Perspective
C. S. Lewis once said, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.” This principle is beautifully illustrated in the story of Nathaniel’s encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philip and Nathaniel: A Call to “Come and See”
After spending only a brief time with Jesus, Philip became convinced that He was the promised Messiah. Filled with excitement, Philip went to Nathaniel to share the news. However, Nathaniel was skeptical. Despite his doubts, Philip simply invited him, “Come and see.”
As Nathaniel approached, Jesus greeted him with a profound compliment: “Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!” John 1:47
Nathaniel’s Response: True Humility
Nathaniel’s response to Jesus was genuinely humble. He didn’t brush off the compliment with false modesty or dismissive comments like, “Oh, you don’t mean it.” Instead, he asked, John 1:48: “How do you know me?”
Nathaniel’s humility came from his self-awareness. He knew both his strengths and weaknesses, neither exaggerating his virtues nor ignoring his flaws. His question was not about himself but about how Jesus could know him so intimately.
REFLECT & PRAY
There are no coincidences in the Father’s kingdom. He knows all things ahead of time and understands each of us deeply, even before we come to know Him. Just as Jesus knew Nathaniel, the Father knows us completely, our strengths, weaknesses, and everything in between.
Whether we come to Him with doubts, burdens, or imperfections, we are accepted and welcomed just as we are.
Father, help me gain an honest understanding of my strengths and weaknesses. Teach me to acknowledge both with integrity and grace. Encourage me to think less of myself and focus on serving others with humility. Help me to be just the right size.
INSIGHT
Insight: Nathaniel’s Faith and the Lord’s Knowledge
Nathaniel’s sudden faith in the Lord Jesus as the promised Messiah might seem extraordinary considering the limited details recorded in John’s gospel. However, Jesus knew much more than what is explicitly stated. He understood Nathaniel’s inner thoughts, recent experiences, and the deepest desires of his heart. Jesus shared facts about Nathaniel that only Nathaniel and the Father could have known.
This intimate knowledge left Nathaniel in awe. As Barclay suggests, Nathaniel might have thought to himself: “Here is the man who understands my dreams! Here is the man who knows my prayers! Here is the man who has seen into my most private and secret longings, longings which I have never even dared put into words! Here is the man who can translate the inarticulate sigh of my soul! This must be God’s promised anointed one and no other.
The Fig Tree: A Place of Reflection and Prayer
Although Nathaniel’s specific thoughts or prayers are not described, it is reasonable to infer them based on cultural and biblical context. In ancient times, leafy fig trees provided cool shade and a peaceful place for rest, reflection, and prayer. Micah 4:4 describes such a scene: “They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid.”
Using a bit of imagination, could it be that Nathaniel was meditating under a fig tree, reflecting on the promises of the Father and praying for the coming of the Messiah? Maybe he prayed, “Lord, when will the Messiah come? Will I recognize Him? Please show me a sign.” If so, Jesus’ words to Nathaniel would have been a direct and miraculous answer to his prayer.
A True Israelite Without Deceit
John 1:47 records Jesus’ greeting to Nathaniel: “Look, a true Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”
The Greek word translated as “true” is alethos, which conveys the sense of “something real, genuine, or authentic.” A more literal translation might be, “Here is truly an Israelite,” meaning, “Here is an Israelite worthy of the name.”
The word translated as “deceit” is dolos, which initially referred to “fish bait” and carried connotations of “treachery, fraud, cunning, and dishonesty.” To be without deceit is to be someone who “would never lie” or “would never deceive anyone.” Such a person is trustworthy and consistently truthful.
This description of Nathaniel reflects the ideal of integrity expressed in Psalms 32:2: “How blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no deceit!” Nathaniel’s character as a “man of truth and sincerity” distinguished him as a genuine seeker of God.
Are You the Right Size?
Nathaniel’s encounter with Jesus emphasizes the importance of humility and authenticity. Just as Nathaniel was recognized and understood by the Lord, we are also fully known by Him. The question isn’t whether we matter in the world’s eyes, but whether we are the “right size” in God’s plan, being humble, sincere, and open to His calling.
This story reminds us that the Lord looks beyond appearances. He looks at the heart. He knows our prayers, struggles, and longings, even those we cannot express in words. Like Nathaniel, we are invited to come and see the One who knows us completely and calls us to follow Him.
True humility isn’t about lowering yourself but about knowing your place in God’s plan. It’s the ability to serve others without seeking praise and trusting that the Father fully knows and values you. Whether in the actions of a great leader like George Washington or in Nathaniel’s response to Jesus, humility shows a heart aligned with God’s will.
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© Dr. H 2025
