Another day, another meet, another testimony, and another following. But this one is a bit different.
Jesus also met Phillip and called him to follow. Phillip knew that this man is legit -- in fact, Phillip proclaimed that Jesus is who the prophets (Isaiah) and even Moses are referencing (1:45). And he wanted to share that with Nathanael.
One obstacle, though. Nathanael noticed that Jesus was from Nazareth, and he doubted that Jesus is legit because he doubted if "anything good [can] come out of Nazareth" (1:46). Honestly, many of us can have doubts whenever we first hear about Jesus, and if you are stuck in doubts, it's understandable. But after hearing Nathanael's doubt, Phillip responded to the doubt by inviting Nathanael to see Jesus FOR HIMSELF.
So now Nathanael had a run-in with Jesus -- face-to-face. Jesus knew beforehand that Nathanael was also an Israelite, so he proclaimed that to him (1:47). The interpretations of Jesus's first quote to Nathanael is a bit tricky. Adam Clarke and Albert Barnes talked about how, while not perfect, Nathanael lived a pretty honest life (from Study Light). From there, Nathanael's question was more of an honest question where Nathanael wants to check before he dives in (rather than interrogating to accuse). Thomas Constable also noted how Jesus might be referencing Jacob, who lived dishonestly way back in Genesis, during the comparison.
Either way, from Jesus's comment on Nathanael being an honest Israelite as well as how he saw him, Nathanael saw for himself that Jesus is legit! Now Nathanael saw Jesus as "Son of God" and "King of Israel" rather than someone no good just for being from Nazareth (1:49).
Doubts about Jesus are understandable. Even Bible characters like Nathanael have them. That's also partly why I started writing this. When our friends have doubts in Jesus, we can invite them to see Jesus's character for themselves. Today, this is often shown via His actions through us.