Nathaniel/Jacob Connection

For the second Sunday of Epiphany the Gospel reading is John 1:43-51. Interestingly, the text has a sub-tectonic level thick with Jacob. One notices that when Nathaniel comes to Jesus he says in verse 47: "Behold an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!" This seems to connect in with Jacob in two ways: (a) Jacob was the "deceiver" and (2) Jacob is the one from whom Israel derives her name.

Moving on, Jesus says to Nathaniel in verse 51: "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." This completes the connection as Nathaniel, the new Israelite (Jacob), will see fulfilled what Jacob only mysteriously beheld. And what would that be? Rather than men building a tower to heaven, God will send a ladder down...His Son.

Finally, German Reformed scholar JP Lange posited the possibility that this entire pericope is occurring on the same geographical spot where Jacob wrestled with the Angel of Lord.

Comments

[Ray D.]

I kind of noticed the Nathaniel-Jacob connection when I was reading it recently too.