“Do you believe because I told you
that I saw you under the fig tree?
You will see greater things than this.”
(John 1:50)
Jesus’ ability to see Nathanael under the fig tree before their physical meeting highlights His divine insight. We learn that Jesus knows us intimately, even our secret thoughts and struggles. He sees beyond our external appearance. Sometimes, our preconceptions or doubts can hinder us from experiencing divine revelations. Our faith journey involves recognizing Jesus as more than a teacher or prophet. He is the Son of God, our Savior. As believers, we can expect ongoing revelations and deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives. Let’s approach Scripture with an open and humble heart, ready to receive ongoing revelations, wisdom and guidance from God’s Word. May we grow in our relationship with Jesus, guided by humility and a hunger for spiritual understanding.
Divine Insight
Beneath the fig tree’s shade, unseen by mortal eyes,
Nathanael wrestled with doubts, his heart in disguise.
Yet Jesus, the Word made flesh, knew his inner strife,
His secret musings, the depths of his life.
Beyond mere appearances, beyond the earthly veil,
Christ’s gaze penetrated, His love would prevail.
For He is more than teacher, more than prophet’s role,
The Son of God, our Savior, who makes broken hearts whole.
In our faith journey, let’s shed our preconceived views,
Open our hearts wide to the truths God will infuse.
Revelations await us, wisdom from His Word,
As we hunger for understanding, our souls deeply stirred.
So let us approach Scripture with humility and grace,
Ready to receive divine whispers in every sacred space.
May our relationship with Jesus ever grow,
Guided by His insight, His love, and the Spirit’s flow.
A Prayer for Divine Insight
Lord Jesus, who sees beyond the veil of our hearts, You know us intimately, our secret thoughts and parts. Under the fig tree’s shade, Nathanael was seen, A revelation of Your grace, where doubts had been.
Grant us eyes to see as You see, beyond the surface, To recognize You not merely as a teacher or purpose. You are the Son of God, our Savior, divine and true, Revealing mysteries, guiding our faith anew.
May our preconceptions yield to Your wisdom’s light, As we hunger for understanding, seeking insight. Open our hearts, Lord, with humility and grace, Ready to receive Your Word, in every sacred space.
Guide us, O Christ, on this journey we tread, Deeper into Your love, where our souls are fed. May we grow in relationship, hungering for more, Led by Your divine insight, forever adored.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
THE FIRST DISCIPLES
John 1:35-51
Gospel Acclamation
Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.
Gospel | John 1:45-51
45 Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus, son of Joseph, from Nazareth.” 46 But Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” 51 And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.
Background:
Nathanael’s Encounter with Jesus: Philip, one of Jesus’ disciples, excitedly tells Nathanael that they have found the One Moses wrote about in the Law and the prophets: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. Nathanael’s initial response is somewhat skeptical. He questions, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46). Nazareth was not particularly distinguished, and its inhabitants were known for their orthodox Jewish beliefs. However, Nathanael agrees to meet Jesus.
The Fig Tree Encounter: When Jesus sees Nathanael approaching, He says, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” (John 1:47).
Jesus recognizes Nathanael’s character. Unlike Jacob (the supplanter), Nathanael is an Israelite who seeks God through prayer and sincerity (Hosea 12:4). Nathanael is astonished that Jesus knew him even before they met. Jesus reveals His divine insight by saying, “I saw you under the fig tree” (John 1:48).
Nathanael’s Confession: Nathanael responds, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (John 1:49). His confession acknowledges Jesus as the promised Messiah-King (Psalm 2:2, 6, 12).
Jesus’ Assurance: Jesus commends Nathanael’s faith and assures him that he will witness even greater things. He says, “Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man” (John 1:51). This reference to Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12) emphasizes Jesus’ divine connection between heaven and earth.
In summary, Nathanael’s encounter with Jesus reveals the depth of Jesus’ knowledge, His identity as the Son of God, and the promise of greater revelations to come. It’s a beautiful passage that invites us to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and seek a personal relationship with Him.
Learning Lessons:
Openness to Encounter: Nathanael’s willingness to meet Jesus despite his initial skepticism teaches us the importance of being open to encountering God. Sometimes, our preconceptions or doubts can hinder us from experiencing divine revelations. Let’s approach God with an open heart and mind.
Divine Insight and Recognition: Jesus’ ability to see Nathanael under the fig tree before their physical meeting highlights His divine insight. We learn that Jesus knows us intimately, even our secret thoughts and struggles. He sees beyond our external appearance.
Confession of Faith: Nathanael’s confession, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God!” reflects a profound realization of Jesus’ identity. Our faith journey involves recognizing Jesus as more than a teacher or prophet. He is the Son of God, our Savior.
Greater Revelations Await: Jesus promises Nathanael greater things, symbolized by the vision of angels ascending and descending. As believers, we can expect ongoing revelations and deeper understanding of God’s plan for our lives.
Humility and Teachability: Nathanael’s willingness to learn from Jesus models humility and teachability. Let’s approach Scripture with a humble heart, ready to receive wisdom and guidance from God’s Word.
In summary, John 1:45-51 encourages us to seek encounters with Jesus, recognize His divinity, confess our faith, and remain open to ongoing revelations. May we grow in our relationship with Him, guided by humility and a hunger for spiritual understanding.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot