Saint Bartholomew and Nathanael: Come and See for Kids
Updated: Oct 3
Philip invites Nathanael to meet Jesus, and a skeptical first impression becomes an encounter of faith. This retelling follows the Christian tradition that identifies Nathanael with the apostle Bartholomew.
The teaching resources return to John 1, explain that traditional name connection, and help children practice honesty, open-minded listening, and kind invitations.
Available free on YouTube since August 17, 2026. Watch the complete video above. Runtime: 4:09. Suggested ages: about 7–11.
Free teaching resources
Use these printable materials at home, in a Catholic classroom, in homeschool, or in parish religious education. The complete four-page packet includes a two-page leader guide with discussion questions, answer cues, an activity, prayer, and teaching notes, plus two student response options. Choose Draw & Tell or Read & Write to suit the child. PDFs are US Letter and suitable for black-and-white printing.
Talk about it together
What did Philip invite Nathanael to do?
What did Jesus say that surprised Nathanael?
How did Nathanael answer Jesus?
How can we avoid unfair first impressions?
Beyond a first impression
Read a pretend example: a new child comes from an unfamiliar town. Write a respectful question and a kind invitation. Discuss how to learn without prying into private information or making assumptions.
A note for parents and teachers
The video follows the traditional identification of Bartholomew with Nathanael; Scripture does not state the identification explicitly. Later mission and martyr accounts have limited historical detail. Dialogue is paraphrased and travel scenes are illustrative. Avoid judging people by their place of origin.
Pray together
Jesus, help us meet others with honest and open hearts. Teach us to follow you in truth and kindness. Saint Bartholomew, pray for us. Amen.
Learn more
Original video release: August 17, 2026. Website article and teaching resources added October 3, 2026.
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