Gospel
John 1:47-51
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 sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
Historical Background
In Jewish tradition, sitting under a fig tree symbolized peace, study of the Torah, or prayer. Jesus’ reference suggests divine insight into Nathanael’s spiritual life, affirming His messianic identity.
This passage captures the moment Jesus meets Nathanael (also known as Bartholomew). Nathanael was skeptical when Philip told him about Jesus, famously asking, “Can anything good come from Nazareth?” (John 1:46). But when Jesus reveals intimate knowledge of Nathanael—“I saw you under the fig tree”—Nathanael is stunned and confesses Jesus as the Son of God and King of Israel.
Theological Context
Jesus knows Nathanael before meeting him, revealing His divine nature. He promises Nathanael he will see “angels ascending and descending on the Son of Man,” evoking Jacob’s ladder (Genesis 28:12). This positions Jesus as the bridge between heaven and earth—the new ladder, the mediator between God and humanity.
Nathanael’s confession echoes Israel’s hope for a divine King.
Learning Lessons
God sees us before we seek Him. Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree—He sees our hearts, our prayers, our doubts.
Skepticism can lead to revelation. Nathanael’s honest doubt opened the door to a profound encounter.
Jesus is our connection to heaven. He is the ladder, the way, the truth, and the life.
“Under the Fig Tree”
Beneath the fig tree, silent and still,
I whispered prayers, aligned to His will.
Unseen by men, but seen by grace,
The Savior knew my hidden place.
He called me forth, my name He knew,
My heart laid bare, my soul made new.
From doubt to awe, my voice did rise,
“Rabbi, King!”—my joyful cries.
He smiled and said, “You’ve just begun,
You’ll see the angels, see the Son.”
A ladder stretched from earth to skies,
Where mercy flows and hope shall rise.
Lord Jesus,
You saw Nathanael beneath the fig tree, just as You see me in my quiet moments, In my doubts, my longings, my prayers. You know me deeply, and still You call me. Thank You for being the ladder between heaven and earth, for revealing the Father’s heart, for inviting me to see greater things. Help me to live without duplicity, to follow You with childlike trust, and to behold Your glory in every step I take.
Amen.
Pericope:
II: The Book of Signs
THE FIRST DISCIPLES
John 1:35-51
Gospel Acclamation
Bless the Lord, all you angels, you ministers, who do his will.
Reflection Source:
Conversation with Copilot
