February 1, 2025

The Gospel of John 1, 47-50

Under the fig tree

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, he said of him, ‘Here comes a  truly Israelite in whom there is no deceit.’ ‘How come you know me?’ Nathanael asked. Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.’ Then Nathanael declared, ‘Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.’ Jesus said, ‘You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig-tree. You will see greater things than that.’

Dear Reader,

Sorry, I don't have a stamp of a fig tree to show you today. Therefore, I would like to show you a Greek stamp with a beautifully grown olive tree instead.

Today's Bible reading talks about a tree. A man named Nathanael was under a tree. Perhaps he was sitting in the shade of the tree and eating some fruit. Perhaps he was leaning relaxed against the trunk of the tree and thinking about what else he was planning to do that day. Either way, Jesus sees this man even before the two of them meet. Jesus sees the place where Nathanael is staying. After Nathanael has left the tree, he meets Jesus. This encounter makes him one of Jesus ´disciples.

This story shows two spiritual truths to me:

1. The Lord Jesus Christ sees us exactly where we are. In his divine omnipotence, no place is hidden from him. No matter which tree, under which tent or under which roof we live, no one can escape his divine gaze. For those who deny God, this may make their foreheads sweat with fear! Saints on the other side are filled with a deep sense of security and inner peace. It comforts me that Jesus sees me, even if I may not feel His presence now. He keeps an eye on me. That comforts me!

2. The encounter with Jesus Christ changes everything! A doubter like Nathanael becomes a person who recognizes Jesus as the Messiah. Nathanael testifies that Jesus is the Son of God. Such turning points in a person's life have existed and continue to exist to this day. However, it is not up to us to perform this miracle of turning to God. Only Jesus himself can touch a person in such a way that a rigid heart can be filled with God's love. Only Jesus, the light of the world, can flood a life with his glory.

I wish you, dear reader, this wonderful encounter with Jesus! I wish you this pleasant certainty that Jesus Christ sees the place where you are or need to be. Perhaps it is a place of joy and peace. Perhaps it is also a place of pain and tears. Wherever you are, Jesus Christ is close to you with His loving care. He sees you. He sees your heart. He wants to meet you. He wants to show you great things!

I look forward to your next visit on February 15, 2025. May the Almighty God bless you and keep you in spirit, soul and body. May you be entrusted to His love!