#nathanael

[momentsbeforemass]

Not Nathanael

(for all of us who are less than perfect)

A lot of Apostles share names.

There are two with the name of James. Two Simons, even two Judas’s. But there’s only one Nathanael.

That’s plenty. And today’s Gospel shows us why.

The first time Nathanael and Jesus see each other, everything clicks into place. Jesus says to him, “here is someone in whom there is no deceit.” And Nathanael’s response? “You are the Son of God.”

Unlike every other Apostle, Nathanael immediately knows exactly who Jesus is. Like flipping a switch. How is that even possible?

It’s simple, actually. And it’s a ringing indictment of you and me, and every other person for whom it isn’t like flipping a switch. Because of what it tells us about Nathanael. Which is?

In the words of C.S. Lewis, “It takes holiness to detect holiness.”

That’s why Nathanael immediately knows exactly who Jesus is. Because that’s how holy he is.

Jesus reached out to Nathanael once. And Nathanael got it.

That’s why one Nathanael is plenty. That’s why you and I need the rest of the Apostles. 

Because the rest of the Apostles? They’re a mixed mess. One of them over-promises and underperforms. Two of them are all about recognition and being first. One of them is a revolutionary. Another one has doubts. You get the idea.

The part I love? How Jesus treats the rest of the Apostles. The mixed mess. The ones who aren’t already holy. The not-Nathanael’s.

When they don’t get it immediately? Watch what Jesus does. Jesus doesn’t give up on them.

Time after time. Jesus tells them, and shows them, exactly who He is. And for years, none of it really clicks for them.

But Jesus doesn’t hold them to the Nathanael standard.

Jesus reaches out to them. And keeps reaching out to them. Until they get it.

It shows us that there’s a place in the heart of Jesus for each one of them.

And it’s a sign of hope. For all of us.

Because it shows us that there’s a place in the heart of God for each one of us.

For you and me, and all of the other not-Nathanael’s.

Even if we’re not already holy.

Today’s Readings

#Who is Jesus? #Nathanael #God #Jesus #Catholic #Christian #Church #Holy #Apostles #Heart of God #Moments Before Mass

[the-chosen-fanfiction]

Nathanael | Reassurance | Romantic

Dialogue prompt: “Wait, did you just say you love me?”

Requested: Yes

Your initial plan to marry Nathanael has changed ever since Jesus came along, though now that your future seems to be different than originally planned, you are in need of some comfort from your fiancé.

Jerusalem is positively crowded yet you pay no mind to the hustle and bustle taking place around you. Instead, your eyes are focused on the finely decorated columns that stand proudly near the entrance to the Temple, with tall, vertical lines running from the base all the way to the top, where it holds up heavy stone.

Nathanael, wicker basket of onions, lentils and garlic in hand, follows your gaze upon noticing you, a pleasant stirring within his chest at the way you inspect the architecture. Yet another detail that surprised him about you – you had made a genuine effort to appreciate the designs of buildings ever since your engagement to the architect, and he adored you for it.

He brushes up next to you, which startles you slightly. You smile sheepishly, momentarily meeting his chocolate eyes. “Jerusalem always intrigues me,” you say, “It’s different from Betsaïda in many ways.” 

Humming in agreement, Nathanael gestures to the pillar you had been looking at. “You know what that kind of column is called?”

“Doric,” you respond without a breath, and he almost gawks at you.

“How did you… How did you know that?” he gasps, impressed.

You flush slightly and pinch your bottom lip in between your thumb and index finger. “I don’t spend all of my free time patching up tattered robes, you know.”

Nathanael scoffs, grinning as he rolls his eyes. “I know that,” he muses, “But I mean, I had no idea that it interested you to such an extent.”

With a shrug, you look back at the column. “Well, if I am to marry a man who is known in the business, I should at least get familiar with his life somehow, hm?”

The architect sweetly smiles. “Getting familiar with my life? (Y/n), as soon as we are married, you are going to be my life.” he flirts.

The comment makes your cheeks turn red. 

“You’ve got no idea how pretty you look right now.” Nathanael teases. “Now come on, let’s head back to the inn so that we can prepare ourselves a little something for on the road.”

You playfully punch his shoulder, which he pretends to be hurt by. Laughing, you hook your hand into the crook of his arm, holding him close.

_ 

That was before the accident, and before Jesus. The memory dances around in your mind as you stare at him from a small distance as he chats with Philip and Thaddeus about something that makes the latter cringe visibly, and Philip rolls his eyes as he laughs at your fiancé. 

At least, that is what he still is, right? 

Everything had changed ever since He called you. Or not you, literally, but rather Nathanael.

Weeks before Jesus asked him to follow Him, Nathanael had been deemed responsible for a serious casualty on a project he had been working on. Tense and paralysed with guilt, he had hardly sought contact with you these days, leaving you to prepare for the wedding on your own. 

And then, there was Jesus, Who came like lightning on a clear summer day and threw both of you off guard. Nathanael’s sour mood had instantly cleared up, his sombreness making place for his overly honest and likeable self, but he has never directly addressed it to you. 

He acts as if nothing has ever happened and it nags at you. 

Certainly, you are utterly grateful that the Messiah has been the very reason for this shift – nothing will ever be the same again now that He happened – but you feel lost, as if you do no longer belong in Nathanael’s world despite the sweet words he directs your way, like referring to you as ‘his girl’ whenever you’re in good company. Perhaps that is what stings the most: he has no idea that he hurt you.

You are snapped out of your thoughts by Mary’s sudden presence next to you. She gives you an uncertain look, frowning in worry. “(Y/n), are you alright?”

Finding her gaze, you blink quickly to shake away your pain. “I-I’m fine,” you lie, “Just… Sunken away in thought.”

She narrows her eyes, nodding slowly. “Hm… What were you thinking about?”

“Nathanael.” you immediately admit, knowing that denying such would be in vain, and a ghost of a smile plays over Mary’s lips.

“Of course you are,” she says, “But why the sad eyes?”

Your brow furrows and you huff. “Ah… That’s something between him and I.”

“You don’t have to talk about it,” Mary reassures you, “As long as you know that I’m here to listen. But if there is anything between you, the best you can do is bring it up to him.”

With a grateful smile, you sigh deeply. “Thank you, Mary. I think we’ll manage.”

Behind you, a few of the men walk up, one of whom is Nathanael. “Hello ladies,” he quips, “Are you ready to go to market?”

Mary lets her gaze go between you and Nathanael as you look at one another, the awkwardness in your eyes going completely unnoticed by him. “Where is your beautiful smile, (Y/n)?” He taps your nose, prompting a small grin from you, butterflies tingling inside your gut at the soft touch. “There it is!” he laughs, wrapping an arm around you.

With the group, you leave camp to head into the city, the roads dusty as people travel back and forth. Despite the way your fingers wrap around Nathanael’s arm as you hold onto him, you feel distant. 

It would be unfair to hold it against him, you think to yourself. He went through something very tough and you can only imagine the shame he must have felt. It was more than reasonable that Nathanael would follow the Messiah without a second thought, and even though you wouldn’t have it any other way, you felt like you were starting to become less and less important in his life. 

“(Y/n)?”

You jump slightly at the sound of your name. Your fiancé chuckles and repeats his question. “What kind of broth would you like for tonight?”

“Ah, mutton,” you say, “Either that or duck.”

Nathanael nods at Philip, “You’ve heard the lady, mutton or duck it is.”

“Right,” Philip sighs, “And what are you going to get? Leeks? Eggs?”

Mary pipes up: “Actually, I think it’s better if I get both of these. After all, I need to head to that part of market anyway to get our kitchen knives sharpened.”

“Can’t Zee do that for us?” Nathanael immediately queries, but is ignored as Thaddeus announces his task of getting fishing wire. 

Philip’s eyes widen as an idea pops up. “How about you two go to get some fabrics? Andrew and Thomas tore their tunics a few days ago, which reminded me that we need to get more things patched up soon.”

“Good idea,” Nathanael replies.

Thaddeus hums. “In that case, let’s meet back here in half an hour, okay?”

The group agrees to this and everyone goes their way to complete their task, as do you and Nathanael. You browse a few stalls without buying anything, indulging in the scent of freshly baked goods, until the seamstress’ stand appears in the line-up of small shops.

Instead of heading for the proper linen right away, your eye falls upon the fine, richly decorated textile that is hanging from the small overhang and reaches all the way to the ground. Letting your fingers slip over it to feel how smooth it is, Nathanael lets out a soft sound. “That’s lovely,” he says, “Would be a great material to use as curtains.”

You hum and nod gently, looking at him from the corner of your eye. “I think it’d look good in our future house.”

“Ah, yes, I’m sure.” he agrees without a moment of hesitation. 

Turning to him, you squint slightly. “ Right ?” you huff, but he doesn’t pick up on your questioning expression. 

“Yes, and perhaps with this soft fabric on our cushions.” He fingers a richly textured velvet that neither of you could even dream to afford.

“Can I help you?” the lady behind the stand queries. “That’s on clearance.” She nods at what Nathanael is looking at, but he shakes his head.

“Ah, no, thank you. We’re just looking. It’s not as if we’re in need of cushions in our home at the moment, so perhaps another time.”

You swallow thickly as she gives a friendly smile and turns to help another customer. Sighing deeply, you shake your head and head for the materials you actually need.

“We should keep this in mind though,” Nathanael states, “This place seems like a decent deal.”

“What ever should we need it for in the future?” you ask, “It’s not like we won’t be coming back here.”

Nathanael may not be the sharpest when it comes to picking up social cues, but he catches onto the sorrowful edge in your tone. 

“Hey, love, why the pout?”

You huff and give him a small roll of your eye. “I’m not pouting.”

He plants a hand on his hip. “Something is clearly bothering you.”

“Why would you care?”

“Because I am your fiancé.”

You stare at him with hurt in your eyes. “Are you?” you whisper. 

A moment of deafening silence befalls the two of you as you lock eyes for a few endless seconds. Nathanael seems to go through several emotions at once, eventually ending up at confusion. 

“Wh… I don’t understand? What do you mean, (Y/n)?” 

Before you can reply, the lady behind the stand comes to assist you with the cheapest linen you’ve picked out for the tunics. You hand it to her and leave Nathanael waiting for a while longer, every possible answer swirling around your mind. 

Now that he has finally picked up on that you’re not happy with how things are between the two of you right now, it is time for a full confrontation, which is not your strongest suit. Even though you’ve tossed and turned for countless hours on end thinking about how to bring up the issue, now that you’re about to do so, all possible answers you’ve ever formulated in your mind fade at once. 

You thank the vendor and turn to Nathanael, who watches you in puzzlement. “Come,” you tell him, heading out in front of him in order to find a more secluded area. Meanwhile, your heart hammers inside your chest, throat dry with nerves. 

Once you halt in an alleyway, Nathanael finally dares to speak again. “Love?” he questions with an expectant edge to his tone, “Can you please tell me what is going on? Is everything alright? Did I say something wrong, or did I do—”

“You didn’t say anything ,” you whimper, “You haven’t reassured me at all! Ever since we left Betsaïda to follow Jesus, you’ve shown me nothing that you still want to marry me!” 

Tears are hot behind your eyes, frustration suddenly spilling from you. “When the accident happened, you were in your full right to be upset! I completely understood that you needed time for yourself, but I missed you, Nathanael! We used to be such a strong team, and you lost yourself in going to the bar and isolating yourself when all I wanted to do was comfort you! I-I-I had to go to choose a wedding venue all by myself because I couldn’t find you! My parents, they—” 

You hiccup, tears streaming down your cheeks. Nathanael looks at you with an ajar jaw, shaking his head in slight disbelief. “I had no idea that I made you feel that way, my love, I–”

“I’m not done, Nathanael! Then Jesus happened, and He is wonderful! He is everything we’ve prayed for because He is the Messiah! So all of our plans completely changed, and so did our initial wedding date! That is totally understandable, and I don’t blame you for that. However, you barely show me that you still see me as your future wife. You kiss me, cuddle me, introduce me to others as your fiancée, but not once, not once , Nath, have you even brought up the fact that we have to reschedule everything. My parents sent me a letter and are so upset with you for not taking initiative anymore!”

Out of breath, you sob for a few seconds whilst Nathanael attempts to process what you just said. 

“I-I am not as good with things like these,” Nathanael stutters, “And I know it is not an excuse, and I am not trying to make it sound like one, but love, I am so deeply sorry that I’ve made you feel that way, as if you matter any less to me right now. Which you don’t! You mean more to me every day. It’s just that He showed up.”

You wipe your face on your sleeve, but it’s of no use as fresh tears keep spilling, everything coming out all at once. “I know,” you whisper, “As I said, Jesus is not the problem here. All I needed was a little bit of reassurance that you still want to marry me one day. I don’t know how long it will take, as long as you still show me the desire to do so, because you might be an airhead from time to time and you might not always understand me, but oh, Nathanael, I love you so much. And even if it takes years before we’re tying the knot, that is okay, just let me know that you still want me. That’s all I require.”

His eyes widen. “Wait, did you just say you love me?” 

You laugh through your tears at his shocked expression and nod. “Of course I do, silly. And I’ll always do so, despite your thick skull.”

A wonderful blush colours his neck and cheeks pink and he opens his arms to initiate an embrace, which you gladly accept by wrapping yourself around him. He kisses your forehead before resting his chin on the crown of your head, rubbing gentle circles over your back.

“I am deeply sorry, (Y/n). I had no idea that I was making you feel that way, and you don’t deserve that. No matter how long we will keep following our Rabbi, know that once the time comes that we are to settle down, you and I are going to do so together.”

You sniffle and smile into his tunic, squeezing him tighter. “Good,” you breathe, “If you could… Keep telling me that from time to time. That would make me very happy.”

He hums in agreement and sighs happily, carding a hand through your hair at the back of your head. “Of course I will, (Y/n),” he promises, “I love you, too. And I’ll give you my word: When you and I are married, we will build our own house. I’ll design it in whatever way you’d like, adding every detail you want, and then I’ll make sure I’ll earn enough money so you can decorate it to your heart’s content.”

You blush at the words and nuzzle your nose against his, smiling when he wipes the damp streaks off your face with his thumbs. “I don’t mind,” you reply, “I don’t care about living in a perfect house and owning beautiful curtains or having an overhang supported by doric columns. What matters is that I’m with you , no matter where we’ll go and no matter where we’ll live.”

Now it’s Nathanael’s turn to be flustered again, and he chuckles a little. “And it’s my desire to take care of you, my love. Now, I fear that we’ll need to head back to meet with the others, before they’ll worry and come look for us.”

With newfound confidence in your relationship, you hook your hand through his arm gladly, carrying the fabrics to the meeting spot you’d agreed on, with Mary giving you a content look once you show up closer than ever, knowing that being upfront about your feelings has brought you back together.

#the chosen x reader #x reader #reader insert #nathanael #nathanael x reader #the chosen #fanfiction #chosen x reader

[ikaroll]

new oc lol

#oc #nathanael #if i'm going to post oc stuff here i should probablyyyyy organize lol

[whispersweetliestome]

Hello! This is my first time sharing one of my fics here! Any advice or comments are welcomed!

#the chosen #jesus christ #simon peter #matthew #sons of thunder #simon the zealot #john #big James #little james #andrew #nathanael #thaddeus #phillip #judas iscariot #Thomas #the disciples

[alanreedwrite]

"As a child, he was born without anyone noticing. The mother, questioned, speaks of a forgetfulness that night. The father, dead, doesn't remember forgetting anything. It was the wind passing through."

— Alain Jugnon, A Body, In Spite (translated by Nathanaël)

#quote #from a book #poetry #alain jugnon #nathanael

[carnation-damnation]

The guys of all time

#I may be a snic blog right now but rest assured. I will always go back to Them #RoF #Renaicus #Nathanael #art from the den #ocs

[sxnzi-nyja]

Finally finished that drawing- goodness this took a while

But look at my boi! ❤💕

#art #drawing #artwork #oc #my oc #my art #digital art #my character #human oc #digital drawing #original character #character art #dragon oc #humanoid dragon #Nathan #Nathanael #artist on twitter #artist on instagram #artist on tumblr

[charlzy]

Bartimaeus Book One (Amulet of Samarkand):

Link

Bartimaeus Book Two (The Golem's Eye):

Link

Bartimaeus Book Three (Ptolemy's Gate):

Link / Google Docs

Bartimaeus Book Four (Ring of Solomon):

Link

#bartimaeus #bartimaeus sequence #bartimaeus trilogy #amulet of samarkand #the golems eye #ptolemys gate #ring of solomon #kitty jones #john mandrake #nathanael #book recommendations

[reiyouu]

#pixel art #undertale #original #oc #luciene #léon #nathanael #émile #antoine #rei_appi #game #undertale_oc #undertaleoc #undertale sprite #undertale sprite oc #oc undertale #undertale heart #undertale pixel art #pixel art undertale

[freebiblestudies]

The Disciples of Jesus Lesson 04: Nathanael Bartholomew

This man was one of Jesus’ first disciples.  Jesus called him a true Israelite.  Who is this disciple?

Let’s read together Matthew 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; John 21:1-2; and Acts 1:13.

Today, we are going to study the disciple Nathanael, son of Talmai.  In the books of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, he is referred to as Bartholomew.  The name Bartholomew can be translated as “son of Tholomew” or “son of Talmai.”

Interestingly, the name Bartholomew is never mentioned in the book of John.  Instead, we see the name of Nathanael where Bartholomew should be.

Let’s read together John 1:45-51.

There is only one story in the Bible that specifically refers to Nathanael.  It is the story of his first meeting with Jesus.  Nathanael was under a fig tree when he was found by his friend Philip.  Philip told Nathanael they found the Messiah: Jesus of Nazareth (Deuteronomy 18:18; Isaiah 53:1-12).  However, Nathanael couldn’t quite accept what Philip was telling him because of his prejudice against Nazareth.  Perhaps Nathanael thought that Nazarenes were like the Jewish equivalent of country bumpkins.  How can anything good come out of such a small and unimportant place?

However, Philip encouraged Nathanael to meet Jesus personally and decide for himself.  Nathanael took Philip up on his offer and went to see Jesus.  Nathanael was surprised that Jesus called him a “true Israelite.”  Nathanael was even more surprised that Jesus knew he was under a fig tree when he was all alone.

Why did Nathanael suddenly proclaim Jesus to be the Messiah, the son of God?  We can infer Nathanael was likely studying the Scriptures and praying underneath that fig tree.  Perhaps Nathanael was a follower of John the Baptist and was pondering his words about the lamb of God (Isaiah 40:3: John 1:29-32).

When Nathanael followed Jesus for three and a half years as one of His disciples, he experienced firsthand the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise.  Nathanael saw people being healed, miracles being performed, and learned great spiritual truths that opened his eyes.

Nathanael was seeking truth.  When he found that truth, he immediately accepted it.  This is a lesson we all can learn as Christians.  When we discover Bible truths, we must accept them, despite any prejudices we may harbor.  We must embrace truth as Nathanael did, and not walk away as Pontius Pilate did (John 18:38).

Friend, will you follow Nathanael’s example as a disciple?

#free bible studies #bible study #disciples of jesus #bartholomew #nathanael #Matthew 10:2-4

[melvingaines]

Sunday School Live Stream - December 31, 2023

https://www.facebook.com/akronalliancefellowship/videos/781296013834574 Asst. Pastor Melvin Gaines John 21:1-14

View On WordPress

#book #bread #breakfast #disciple #fish #Jesus #John #John 21 #Nathanael #Peter #sea of Galilee #serve #shore #Thomas #water #Zebedee

[momentsbeforemass]

Less than perfect

(for all of us who are less than perfect)

A lot of Apostles share names.

There are two with the name of James. Two Simons, even two Judas’s. But there’s only one Nathanael.

That’s plenty. And today’s Gospel shows us why.

The first time Nathanael and Jesus see each other, everything clicks into place. Jesus says to him, “here is someone in whom there is no deceit.” And Nathanael’s response? “You are the Son of God.”

Unlike every other Apostle, Nathanael immediately knows exactly who Jesus is. Like flipping a switch. How is that even possible?

It’s simple, actually. And it’s a ringing indictment of you and me, and every other person for whom it isn’t like flipping a switch. Because of what it tells us about Nathanael. Which is?

In the words of C.S. Lewis, “It takes holiness to detect holiness.”

That’s why Nathanael immediately knows exactly who Jesus is. Because that’s how holy he is.

Jesus reached out to Nathanael once. And Nathanael got it.

That’s why one Nathanael is plenty. That’s why you and I need the rest of the Apostles. 

Because the rest of the Apostles? They’re a mixed mess. One of them over-promises and underperforms. Two of them are all about recognition and being first. One of them is a revolutionary. Another one has doubts. You get the idea.

The part I love? How Jesus treats the rest of the Apostles. The mixed mess. The ones who aren’t already holy. The not-Nathanael’s.

When they don’t get it immediately? Watch what Jesus does. Jesus doesn’t give up on them.

Time after time. Jesus tells them, and shows them, exactly who He is. And for years, none of it really clicks for them.

But Jesus doesn’t hold them to the Nathanael standard.

Jesus reaches out to them. And keeps reaching out to them. Until they get it.

It shows us that there’s a place in the heart of Jesus for each one of them.

And it’s a sign of hope. For all of us.

Because it shows us that there’s a place in the heart of God for each one of us.

For you and me, and all of the other not-Nathanael’s.

Even if we’re not already holy.

Today’s Readings

#Holiness #Less than perfect #God #Jesus #Catholic #Christian #Church #Heart of God #Nathanael #Moments Before Mass

[the-chosen-fanfiction]

Nathanael | Troublemaker | Platonic

Dialogue prompt: “Why are you like this?”

Requested: Yes

Nathanael gets in trouble in front of a Roman guard. He’s might be your best friend, but sometimes, he needs to take it down a notch, or two, or three.

Growing up with Nathanael, you were fully aware that you needed to take everything he said with a pretty royal grain of salt from a very young age. Since your childhood, you had known that the boy had no filter and as you became older, this didn’t necessarily fade upon maturing although he learnt to regulate it a tad somewhere along the way. Philip would also attest to that, for the pair of you would often get the architect out of trouble whenever he spoke his mind during moments that it wasn’t appropriate.

Like now, when you were standing face to face with a Roman guard, Nathanael with a beautifully braided loaf of bread under his arm. Upon turning the corner a few seconds earlier, it was hard to miss the crimson-clad armour-wearing tower of strength that stood in your way, and whereas you had immediately hopped to the side to avoid a collision, Nathanael had gone face-first into the Roman’s chest and stepped back with a slightly puzzled look on his face.

Now, this wouldn’t really have been a problem if Nathanael had only stepped aside. But it is, after all, Nathanael.

“Would you like a piece, officer? You Romans don’t really have the amazing foods we have.” 

You are certain that the architect means the words to hold no ill intent, but the sneer on the guard’s face goes completely over his head. Although the intonation of his voice is not demeaning, the soldier seems to be in a foul mood.

“Move along, Jew.” 

“You know, I think you Romans should smile more. It can really brighten someone’s day! Sometimes, when I’m upset, I go to my friend (Y/n), who I then ask to tell me a good joke. Do you know any good jokes, sir? I could tell you some.” 

You grab Nathanael’s arm and squeeze, your voice lowering to a hiss. “Nathanael, step away. This is not the time.” 

The eyes of the soldier narrow. “I said: move along.”

Nathanael does not heed your warning nor does he realise the hand on the guard’s hilt, and he continues his story as if he isn’t speaking to the oppressor carrying a sizable sword on his hip.

“Right, so you Romans got no jokes to smile about? Let me tell you one. A Pharisee and a Roman guard walk into The Hammer. The bartender asks what they want to drink–”

“Nathanael…” you mutter in a dangerously low tone, “Let’s go.”

“–The Pharisee orders some wine whereas the Roman orders an ale. Says the Pharisee to the Roman–”

The sword of the Roman guard sings as it is unsheathed and he holds it in front of Nathanael, who pauses and swallows thickly. Instead of shutting up, however, he attempts to continue his joke:

“Says the Pharisee to the Roman, hey, I didn’t know that Romans frequented The Hammer. To which the Roman answers Well we don’t, but our own—”

“Do you’ve got sheep dung in your ears?! I said to move along, you nasty Jew!” the soldier roars, and suddenly a few dozen eyes are onto the pair of you. 

You start to pull away Nathanael with force this time, but he struggles. “But you haven’t even heard how the joke ends yet! For all you know, it is the funniest thing you’ve ever heard, hm? How could you know? And then, you can tell your buddies back at your quarters, and they’ll love you for it!”

Before you can completely yank him away, for the Roman’s face grows more and more red with every passing second, Nathanael is roughly pushed against the wall, face-first. He lets out a grunt and the soldier shoves you away, even though you are in no position to effectively fight back against the armoured man that was two heads taller than you. The bread Nath held under his arm falls onto the dusty ground.

“Hey! Is that how you treat someone who tells you a good story? I wonder how you treat people who actually do something wrong— Ouch! That hurts!”

Frozen where you stand, all you can do is watch with a rapidly racing heart how Nathanael is being tied up around his wrists with a thick rope despite his pained sounds. “S-Sir!” you try to verbally stop the guard, “He’s only joking! He–He isn’t in his right mind, please, have mercy!”

“What do you mean, (Y/n)?! My mind is perfectly fine– Ow!”

“Shut your trap, Jewish dog! If your little friend wants you back in one piece, they’d better have a heavy purse on hand!”

“S-Sir! I don’t have any money!” you plead.

The Roman guard sharply turns to you and you back away out of instinct, gasping a little. 

“Then you better get started on earning some. Your friend will surely not enjoy his stay in the Capernaum dungeons.”

You fight the sound of distress that threatens to stream from your lungs as the guard drags along Nathanael, who can’t do anything else but move forward. After a few seconds of staring at either you or at the display of your friend being taken into custody by a Roman, the people around you start moving again, continuing their daily chores.

It takes you a moment to gather yourself, to process what has just happened. Suddenly, panic surges within your chest. 

Philip. You should go to find Philip immediately.

Leaving the bread on the ground where it gathers grime with every passing second, you rush to the flat where you know him to be staying at.

Your feet have never carried you so fast before and you enter without knocking, nor do you dust off your feet. A few shocked faces turn to you – Judas, Little James, Simon Zee and Philip– “Phil!” you gasp, out of breath, putting a hand on your side to hopefully ease the throbbing stab that has formed into your lower abdomen, “Nathanael… He’s… A Roman guard… A-And he didn’t shut up…”

Immediately and without asking anything, Philip stands and leaves behind whatever conversation he was having with his friends to join you swiftly.

Due to the depth of your friendship, Philip and you don’t need to tell one another a lot to understand what the other means, but still, he turns to you for you to fill him in. Putting his hands on your shoulders, he looks at you with a concerned twinkle in his eye as you try to calm down your breaths, which are still rapid and shallow. 

“What happened, (Y/n)? I need details.”

“Well, you know how he is,” you huff, “Nathanael, I mean. We went to market and he accidentally bumped into a Roman guard as we turned the corner. Instead of being reasonable and stepping aside at the soldier’s behest, he chose to tell him a joke of all things. The Roman had a sour look on his face yet Nathanael didn’t heed his warnings, and he was arrested on the spot after failing to quit his antics.”

Philip rolls his eyes but cannot fight the grin tugging at his lips. “That’s typical Nathanael, I suppose. He doesn’t know these boundaries.” His face falls again into a more serious frown. “Let’s… Let’s try to get him out, I suppose.”

You nod and tell him where the soldier said they would be going. “He told me it’s going to cost us bail money,” you warn Philip, “And the problem is, we don’t have any. Shouldn’t we ask… You know.” 

“Jesus?”

You nod. “I-I mean I know that He is busy so I’d rather not disturb Him, but what else can we do? I’m sure that Jesus can talk them into releasing Nathanael.”

Chuckling, Philip pats your shoulder. “I like the way you think that Jesus is perfectly capable of doing so. I agree with that, for our Messiah has got a great way with words, however, as you also mention, I’m sure that Jesus is busy enough with His own things. I’d say that we can figure this out perfectly fine by ourselves.”

A bit more determined, you nod and head over to the location mentioned by the guard. There, he seems invested in a conversation about something rather hilarious with two other centurions, one of whom has his helmet under his arm. Once you clear your throat, he turns to you, his laughter dying in his throat. 

“Oh, it’s you, the friend of that one fool.”

“I’ve brought my brother.” you lie, “We can explain why our friend has displayed the behaviour that he did.”

The guard frowns and mockingly grins at his colleagues, giving a small shake of his head. “Now, this is going to be interesting. Two Jews trying to convince me? Enjoy the show, boys.”

You plant your hands on your hips as the two other Romans cackle loudly, the soldier who had detained Nathanael turning to you. “Speak up.”

“Our friend, he is… He sometimes says things without thinking first.” Philip begins. 

“He is the type that talks first before thinking about what he is going to say.” you add, “He… Unintentionally offends people with that sometimes.”

“He’s got trouble reading the room but is awfully honest as a result.” 

You nod and continue. “Yes, so trust us when we can tell you that our friend meant no harm in trying to make a joke. He’s just like that sometimes. All he wanted was to make your day a little better.”

The soldier sighs and reaches out his palm looking at the two of you expectantly. “Money?”

“We don’t have any.” Philip mutters, “Even if we wanted to, we couldn’t pay you.”

“Why not?”

“Taxes, sir.” you emphasise.

For a long moment, he stares at you, but you don’t break eye-contact. Then, his gaze goes to Philip, to his fellow centurions, and back to you. 

“Fine,” he says. “Let this be a final warning for him.”

You fight hard against the smile of relief that threatens to spread over your face. Instead, you swallow thickly to force it down and nod. “Thank you, sir.”

He heads into the adjacent building and a minute later, he steps out with a still-bound Nathanael. The curly-haired man in question laughs as soon as he sees the two of you. 

“See, I knew you could do it! I knew you two could talk me out of it!” 

The dangerous glance from the Roman soldier does not go over his head this time and his face drops whilst the guard unties him. For a moment, you and Philip look at one another, fighting smirks of your own. 

“Thank you so much, Mr Guard!” Nathanael is about to pat the man in question on the shoulder but decides against it at the very last second before walking over to the two of you.

“Don’t let it happen again.”

“It will not, sir,” you chime, “Thank you, and have a good day!”

Both of you drag Nathanael to the other end of the street, each grabbing hold of one arm, before you turn to him fully. 

“That was pretty stupid.” you huff, “Why are you like this?” The moment the words leave your lips, you regret them. “We’ve been very lucky that we could get you out without having to pay for it this time. Next time, there will be very real consequences.” 

Nathanael opens his mouth to make a light-hearted joke about it, but pauses when he sees your frown, and he sighs. “Fine, I’ll try my very best.”

Your face softens. “I’m sorry that I asked why you are like this. I know that it is just part of your character, that it is in your nature to sometimes act the way you do. But still.”

The former architect hums and tilts his head. “No offence taken. I know that people aren’t always so forgiving about that trait of mine.”

Philip clears his throat and speaks up: “I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we think of a code word we can say to you if you need to take it down a notch? That way, we don’t need to directly tell you to shut it, but it will make you aware of the social situation that requires a different response from you. Does that make sense?”

Both you and Nathanael smile in positive surprise at the suggestion. “That’s a brilliant idea!” Nathanael quips, “Ah, how about… Quartz! Or-Or-Or architect! How about the word pomegranate?”

Chuckling, you pat his shoulder. “Pomegranate it is. If Philip or I tell you that word whilst you’re having a conversation, you’ll be more aware of the situation.”

With a firm nod, Nathanael puts his hands on yours and Philip’s upper arm. “Thank you, friends. I know that I’d be lost without you.”

“Likewise, Nathanael. Although you can sometimes get yourself and us in trouble, the world needs more people who are like you.”

He cannot fight the slight flush on his cheeks and hums, leading you towards the flat where you had found Philip a while earlier. 

“Talking about pomegranates has made me hungry. Let’s go back to market, friends, for I’ll pick up some fruits for us. My treat!”

#nathanael #nathanael x reader #the chosen #the chosen x reader #chosen fanfiction #chosen #chosen x reader #philip #angel studios #reader insert #x reader

[ikaroll]

#oc #nathanael

[carltonblaylock]

Apostle Bartholomew

One of the 12 apostles (Mark 3:18). The name Bartholomew means “son of Talmai and may have been a Patronymic, a name derived from that of the father of a paternal ancestor. It occurs in all four lists of the apostles in the NT (Matt. 10:2-4; Mark 3:16-19; Luke 6:14-16; Acts 1:13; in each of the Synoptic Gospels it immediately follows the name of Phillip.The name does not occur at all in John’s…

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#Bartholomew #Nathanael

[alanreedwrite]

"The black doors close the noble souls of children: the golden keys are in the dressers of the fathers, the mothers; the birds strike with their beaks against the marble steps of the family homes; it will be said that this is a game and that I am a child; now, the door is closed and the papas and the mamas are holding their breath; the marble is dry, the house cold, I decide to begin life as a bird."

— Alain Jugnon, A Body, In Spite (translated by Nathanaël)

#alain jugnon #nathanael #quote #from a book #poetry