How Do You Know Me?

~~~ Rv 21: 9b- 14~~~ Psalm 145 ~~~ John 1: 45- 51 ~~~

 

In this Gospel story Jesus sees Nathaniel coming toward him and immediately complements him for being a true child of Israel.   

Jesus continues to comment the Nathaniel has no duplicity in him.

The dictionary defines duplicity

 as deceitfulness in speech or conduct,

as by speaking or acting in two different ways

to different people concerning the same matter;

double-dealing.

 

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him,
"Here is a true child of Israel.
There is no duplicity in him."

Nathaniel was surprised that Jesus knew of him much less

that he could label him a true child of Israel.

It is not much of a stretch to believe that Jesus could read much about

Nathaniel just by looking at him.

Many times Jesus reveals knowledge about a person

in his presence without being told.

 

Jesus can read our hearts.

Jesus can look into your eyes and words are not needed.

Of course Nathaniel does not know that Jesus possesses this ability

to read hearts. It is expected that he would be surprised.

To Jesus we are like an open book.

 

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."

What happens under the fig tree?

It was known that Rabbis like their forefathers

sat and studied under the fig-tree.

Was Nathaniel sitting there under the fig tree with the elders

soaking up as much of their knowledge as he could?

Perhaps the fig tree was a favorite spot for Nathaniel; a place

where he could go to quietly reflect on his life.

Nathanael answered him,
"Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel."

There seems to be some mutual recognition between Jesus and Nathaniel.

Nathaniel addresses Jesus as Rabbi...a title of respect...of teacher.

He also immediately acknowledges Jesus as the King of Israel.

 

Jesus answered and said to him,
"Do you believe
because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree?

Whatever happened to Nathaniel under the fig tree was personal

and Jesus somehow reveals to Nathaniel he knew the secrets in his heart.

Jesus makes reference to the fig tree setting it apart as significant.

If the fig tree was not somehow important; then why would

Jesus even mention it to Nathaniel.

 

You will see greater things than this."

 

Jesus says to Nathaniel if you think what happens

under the fig tree is great

you are in for a real treat if you come with me.

You will experience things that will blow you away...

just walk with me for awhile and you will be amazed.

 

 

Here is our invitation...

this passage has been my inspiration for inviting my readers

to join me under the fig tree.

Truths are revealed the fig tree...Jesus surprises us under the fig tree...

Jesus promises that if we come with him we too will see greater things.

 

Pray for God to amaze you with things far beyond your imagination.

There is no need for duplicity when Jesus is coming toward you.

After all what could you hide from Our Lord?