Significance of Seeing Nathanael, by Jesus, Under the Fig Tree

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 21 Week - Wednesday* 

*Feast of St Bartholomew, Apostle*

*GOSPEL - Jn 1:45-51*

*First Reading - Rev 21:9-14*

*Significance of Seeing Nathanael, by Jesus, Under the Fig Tree*

*Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”*

*1) The significance of the Fig Tree*

The fig tree was symbolically connected to the coming messianic era (Mic. 4:4, Zec. 3:10, 1 Kgs. 4:25). 

In this context, someone who was found under the Fig Tree means, He/she was waiting for Messiah

So the very fact that Nathanael was under the Fig Tree, He was also waiting for the Messiah

This is one of the reasons, why Philip ran and told Nathanael, about the Messiah

*2) The Expression Under the Fig Tree used by Jesus*

When Jesus says that he saw Nathanael under the fig tree, Jesus  is saying that he knew that  Nathanael was eagerly  waiting for the messiah. 

So the expression *Under the Fig Tree* was two way communication between Jesus and Nathanael

First of all Jesus came to know the inner most desire of Nathanael, that is the longing for Messiah

On the other Hand, Nathanael also came to know about the real Messiah - Jesus from this expression

*3) Fig Tree made him to realise the Special power of Jesus*

In fact Nathanael in reality did not see Jesus under the fig tree. 

Probably when he was under the tree, Jesus might not have been passed through that way or even Jesus had passed through that way, Nathanael might not have observed it 

But the fact that Nathanael was the fig tree was true. This can't be nagated 

But How Jesus saw Him was a great question for him. But when Jesus saw him, was not clear to Him. 

Since Jesus saw Him, without his knowledge, and that was true, he might have concluded that Jesus has special powers and He himself is the Messiah

*4) Under the Fig Tree - Another meaning*

While Nathanael was in prayer and reflection under a fig tree, he received a revelation that he would live to see the messiah. 

When Jesus mentions the fig tree, Nathanael realizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of what was revealed to him.

In fact when Jesus used the phrase, *under the Fig Tree* the immediate response of the Nathanael was  *“Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”*

*5) Where is my Fig Tree?*

Since Fig Tree has a special significance to the coming of Messiah, this becomes a place of prayer, mediation and waiting 

Nathanael was doing the same thing under the fig tree and finally he found the Messiah

If so what about me? Where is my fig tree? 

*The various places which should play the role of Fig Tree in my Life*

The Church, Holy places, shrines, pilgrim centres 

Our own house and special the *altar* of our House  and the family itself 

The neighborhood, society and the place where we do our work 

When we consider these places and the Fig Tree changes will happen in our life 

*6) The need of remaining under the Fig Tree*

Since Nathanael spent his time under the fig tree, finally he was able to find the Messiah

It is not enough to have the fig tree, one needs to spend time under the fig tree, praying and meditating. 

Am I ready to spend my time *under the Fig Tree?*

What is my perception about the fig tree?

How many people recognise me as Nathanael, who is *under the Fig Tree?*

Will Jesus say to me *I saw you under the Fig Tree?*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*