‘When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.”

“how do you know me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Then Nathanael declared, Rabbi, you are the son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.” He then added, ” Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”‘ 

John 1:47-51 NIV

 

Under the Fig Tree

I can’t help but imagine what Nathanael was praying about under that fig tree. Could he have been asking God to reveal if this Jesus guy is truly ‘the one’. Where was he spiritually? Was he basking in faith or at his breaking point?

 

Whatever it might have been Jesus sure did take Nathanael by surprise. My favorite part is verse 48. Jesus saw Nathanael before Nathanael saw Jesus.

 

It is truly heartwarming and much, much more knowing that if Jesus saw Nathanael before, Jesus has seen us before we were able to spot him.

 

Not only did Jesus see him, but he heard every word and every thought Nathanael had. Jesus was revealing his omniscient power.

 

The perfect moment

How many times do we find ourselves in a quiet place with no one around to witness our prayers and thoughts, even doubts.

 

As I already mentioned, I’d like to imagine Nathanael asking God if this so called ‘Jesus’ is the one prophesied and written about the Law.

 

This question doesn’t seem too far off what we might’ve asked ourselves. ‘Is this Jesus truly the one who died for me? Does he really care for me? I can’t even see him. For all I know he could be imaginary. He probably can’t hear me.’

 

As we go through those questions and thoughts there’s Jesus standing not to far away gazing at you with the purest love anyone can give while listening to your every word.

 

He awaits for that perfect moment in your life to reveal himself to you. He awaits because He doesn’t want man to be glorified, and want’s to be found by you. (Jeremiah 29:13)

 

Time Frames

That’s another thing I love about this story of Nathanael and Jesus it doesn’t give us a true time frame from the fig tree to them talking. It could’ve been immediately or even a couple of days even weeks before

 

In your quiet time do not think that God doesn’t hear you. Every single thought and every single word, and action that comes from you is seen by our Father, his Son and Holy Spirit.

 

He is awaiting for that oh so perfect moment to release answers to your questions. To release answers to your questions, to release the blessings to your prayers.

 

Due to Nathanael’s faith and belief in Jesus, Jesus spoke over Nathanael’s life.

 

(Verses 50 & 51, “..you will see greater things than that..”)

 

I believe in those two verses Jesus was calling Nathanael out into deeper waters. Not only that but I also believe verses 50 & 51 was a faith booster for Nathanael. It allowed Nathanael to desire to see this come to pass.

 

My Question for you..

What have you been thinking about under the fig tree? What questions and prayers have you offered to God? Get ready because at just the right time you will have the answers and the understanding.

 

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