The Jesus Nathanael Met
My dear son,
You matter to me in places where other people do not notice you. Jesus saw Nathanael beneath the fig tree. Even when you pass through hours that attract no attention, you have not become someone forgotten by me.
I do not want you to put on an appearance to impress me. I gladly welcome a heart that wants to meet me without pretense. If there are things you do not yet understand, you can ask freely.
Tell me your ordinary stories tonight. Great events are not the only things worth bringing to me. As Nathanael came to recognize Jesus, I want you to know more deeply the love of the Father who already knows you.
With all my love,
Your Father
John 1:47–49
WEB47Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!”
48Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.”
49Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!”
A short reflection
When Jesus says he saw Nathanael beneath the fig tree, Nathanael confesses that Jesus is the Son of God and the King of Israel.
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