“Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward Him, and said of him, ‘Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!’” John 1:47
What did Jesus mean when He said of Nathanael that he was “an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit”? In light of Psalm 32, Jesus was saying that Nathanael didn’t try to hide or cover up his sins. Rather, he acknowledged his sinfulness and shortcomings and trusted God to graciously forgive his sins for the sake of the Messiah and Savior who would “redeem Israel from all his iniquities” (Psalm 130:7-8).
O gracious God, I am a guilty sinner deserving of Your anger and punishment. Pardon and forgive me, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.
[Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.]