The twelve disciples were unique, and they had their own story of how they met Jesus and how Jesus changed their lives. We, too, are His disciples, with a story to tell.
Jesus remains the same today as He was in the past. Knowing Him is life-changing.
Never would they walk the hills, sit under a fig tree, or see Nazareth, Galilee, or Jerusalem the same again. Let’s see how Nathanael’s encounter with Jesus made a difference in his life:
The following day, Jesus wanted to go to Galilee, and He found Philip and said to him, “Follow Me.”
Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.
Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the law, and also the prophets wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” And Nathaniel said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
Philip said, “Come and see.”
Jesus saw Nathaniel coming toward Him, and said to him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” Nathanael l said to Him. “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel.”
Jesus answered and said to him, Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than this.” And He said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of God. John 1:43-51 NKJV
Here we see Philip’s enthusiasm for finding Jesus. Philip needs to tell somebody. He searches and finds Nathanael. Philip told him he had found the one they were waiting for—the One Moses and the Prophets had promised. It was Jesus from Nazareth, the son of Joseph.
Was Philip fully convinced, or did he need someone like Nathanael, who had a reputation for his integrity and honesty?
Sceptical
Nathanael was sceptical. Nazareth and its people failed to impress him. Philip couldn’t convince him that this was the “One”, so he said, “Come and see.” I wonder if he came out of curiosity or did so only to appease his friend.
Anyway, you look at it. Nathaniel was sceptical. Sceptical people are hard to persuade. So what was it that impressed him that when he met Jesus, he knew in his soul that this was the Messiah every Jew expected?
It was simply that Jesus saw him. Saw him for who he was and saw him before they even met. Jesus saw him under the fig tree.
People considered the fig tree a symbol of peace and safety, especially when they expected the Messiah’s arrival. Philip knew this.
In that day, declares the Lord of hosts, every one of you will invite his neighbor to come under the vine and under the fig tree. Zech 3:10 ESV
I discovered something interesting about that term, “being under the fig tree.” It is a figure of speech used by those who study the Torah. Maybe, just maybe, Nathanael was in God’s word when Jesus saw him. I don’t know. But I believe Jesus saw him meditating on the Word and praying for the Messiah to come. We don’t know exactly, but we know Jesus saw into the heart of Nathanael.
Believe
The skeptic became a believer.
In those days, people had two names: one was Greek and the other was Jewish. While the Bible provides limited details about Nathanael’s life, many Biblical scholars are confident that Bartholomew and Nathanael are the same person.
We know he was at the Sea of Tiberias after Jesus’ resurrection. Surely, he had received the Great Commission and the power of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Tradition has it he spread the gospel to India, Armenia, Ethiopia, and Persia.
Unbelievers murdered him, as they did all the other disciples except John. The skeptic was so convinced that he died for his faith.
That’s the unchangeable power in knowing the Savior.
If you had heard what Philip told Jesus, you might have asked him to be careful, for someone could be listening in. Didn’t he call Jesus the King of Israel? Such a radical statement could have gotten you killed. Remember Herod the Great? He murdered the children in Bethlehem at the suggestion that the real King of the Jews was born!
At that point, Nathanael didn’t care.
What we see here is the power that comes from knowing Jesus. Nathanael surrenders wholeheartedly to the Son of God – the King of the Jews. Here was the one to live for, and here was the one to die for, and there was no turning back.
Maybe it was simply that Nathanael had felt alone, and now he knew that Here is the Son of God, and he never had to be alone again!
Lonliness
Today, we find ourselves in an epidemic called loneliness. Loneliness and social isolation are real. Social distancing, stay-at-home orders, and the deaths associated with COVID-19 didn’t help the situation. Hardships, loss, and many other factors contribute to loneliness. Our social media and introducing “work at home” haven’t helped the situation.
Loneliness brings high blood pressure, higher levels of cholesterol, depression, and decreases in cognitive abilities and Alzheimer’s. Loneliness is a serious issue.
One in two adults reported experiencing loneliness.
U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy reported the epidemic of loneliness in America in a 2023 advisory. He declared it a public health crisis, highlighting that loneliness and social isolation are widespread and pose serious health risks, even more so than conditions like smoking, diabetes, or anxiety.
According to the latest research, at least three-quarters of those surveyed shared the solution to loneliness was:
- Reach out to family or friends
- Learn to love myself
- Learn to be more forgiving of others
- Help others
Jesus is the answer.
Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He sees our most intimate and secret longings. Jesus knows things we wouldn’t dare share with others and understands the sigh of the soul – the source of loneliness.
He knows, sees, and hears you. You are not alone. He knows your heart’s desire. He sees you under the fig tree, so to speak.
God’s presence is not an abstract thing, but very real. Sacred Scripture acknowledges this, and the Lord offers comfort and guidance. He is present with those who feel alone and offers not only comfort but guidance.
The Bible, as well as Nathanael’s meeting with Jesus, points us to the solace and strength found only in God’s loving presence.
Fear not, for I am with you: Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isa 41:10 NKJV.
“… I am with you even to the end of the age.” Matt 28:20b NKJV.
Be Like Nathanael
Does this knowledge impress you? Does it change your life enough to tell others, “Come and see?”
For since the beginning of the world, men have not heard nor perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen any God besides You, who acts for the one who waits for Him. You meet him who rejoices and does righteousness, who remembers You in Your ways… Isa 64:4-5a NKJV.
Let’s live, breathe, and have our being in the Lord. I’m not sure about you, but I’m going to try to live just like Nathanael did .
Would you like to join me?
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