When Philip told Nathanael that they had found the Messiah, Nathanael answered with a line that still makes people smile: "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?"

I don't think Nathanael meant it as cruelty, though maybe a bit of snobbery. Nazareth was simply a tiny, unimpressive place close to his own hometown of Cana. It would be a little like someone here in Blount County saying, "Could anyone important really come out of Rockford?" Not hatred. Just skepticism. Familiarity.

And Nathanael did not hide his skepticism.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said, "Here is a genuine Israelite in whom there is no deceit." No guile. No manipulation. No fake spirituality. Nathanael said exactly what he thought, even when he doubted.

Ironically, the passage seems to point us back to Jacob in Genesis 28. Jacob, whose name became Israel, was famous for deception and manipulation. Yet Jesus describes Nathanael as a true Israelite without deceit. In other words, Nathanael stood in sharp contrast to Jacob's old reputation.

And here is what I love most about Nathanael: when evidence suggested he was wrong, he changed his mind.

He did not cling stubbornly to his first impression. He did not double down on skepticism just to protect his pride. When Jesus revealed that He had seen Nathanael under the fig tree, Nathanael responded immediately with faith.

That kind of honesty takes humility.

Some people refuse to question. Others refuse to believe. Nathanael did neither. He spoke honestly about his doubts, but he also remained open to truth.

That may be part of what Jesus meant by "no guile." A heart honest enough to question, and humble enough to change.

Father, you know we can be both blind and stubborn. When we have doubts, encourage us to face them honestly. When we see the truth, support us in living it, even though it demands we change. Keep us in integrity. In Jesus's name, Amen.

This devotional was written and read by Donn King.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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First United Methodist Church is a lively, spirit-filled congregation whose goal is to spread the message of love and grace into our community and throughout the world. We are located on the web at https://1stchurch.org/.