47 When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false." 48 "How do you know me?" Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, "I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you." 49 Then Nathanael declared, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel." John1:47-49
(This is a devotion I wrote back in 2007...)
Jesus called Philip. Philip knew just who he needed to introduce to Jesus: His friend Nathanael.
Nathanael was sceptical when he heard that Jesus was from Nazareth. Nazareth is probably the equivalent of "Pofadder." Philip doesn't argue, he just says: "Come and see."
Jesus takes the initiative when Nathanael approaches. He gives Nathanael two big compliments:
1.He is loyal and faithful to his heritage and faith - a true Israelite
2.He is a person of integrity.
Nathanael is still sceptical - but Jesus rocks his boat when he talks about seeing Nathanael under the fig tree.
What is that all about???
Fig trees provided cool, quiet shade. People often used the shade of a fig tree as a place of prayer. We can only imagine that Nathanael had been under the tree praying a tough prayer. Something like:
"Lord, please show yourself to me"
or
"Lord, when are you coming to save your people?"
or
"Lord, do you care about our brokeness and suffering?"
By saying that he saw Nathanael under the fig tree, Jesus is saying that He has heard Nathanael's deepest and most intimate prayers.
Nathanael's response is immediate - there is no more scepticism - this is the Messiah.
Jesus assures him that this is just the beginning: "You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that."
What do we learn from Nathanael's new beginning?
1. Integrity and Faithfulness are qualities are values Jesus rates highly
2. Jesus knows us intimately and hears our deepest prayers and needs.
3. He will answer our questions
4. When we respond in trusting faith, he will do great things in us.
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
