The significance of Jesus seeing Nathanael under the Fig Tree

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week : Wednesday*

*Gospel : Jn 1:45–51*

*First Reading : Rv 21:9b–14*

*The significance of Jesus seeing Nathanael under the Fig Tree*

*1) Jesus sees Nathanael under Fig Tree*

Jesus says to Nathanael *“Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.”*

Here the expression seeing under the Fig tree has some special significance. 

How do we understand this? What is the significance of Jesus seeing under the fig tree? 

Is there any theological significance in it? 

*2) The fig tree and the Messianic Era*

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

So there is a close connection between the fig and Jesus the Messiah

So, if some one is found under the fig tree means, is the one who is waiting for the Messiah

*3) Nathanael under the Fig tree*

The very fact, Nathanael was found under the fig tree means, he was waiting for the Messiah

So it is possible that every day morning He was spending some time under the Fig tree in prayer and meditation

So the inner most desire of Nathanael was to encounter Jesus the Messiah

*4) Philip tells Nathanael about the Messiah*

When Philip went and told Nathanael, he might have been under the fig tree. 

So Philip knew that Nathanael was eagerly waiting for Messiah

This, may be one of the reasons why Philip immediately runs and tells Nathanael about the Jesus the Messiah

So Philip's reason of telling about the Messiah to Nathanael is clear, from the perspective

*5) Jesus sees Nathanael under the Fig tree*

Jesus might have seen Nathanael literally under the fig tree. This is one possibility

Secondly, through the special supernatural of power which Jesus had, he might have seen, Nathanael under the fig tree 

Thirdly, Jesus might have know the genuine desire of Nathanael, to see the Messiah. That is why Jesus says *Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.*

*6) The fig tree in our Life*

Like Nathanael we too must spend our time under the fig tree, praying and meditating, with the intention of encountering the Messiah

The following divine realities work as fig trees in our life 

The Holy places like, Church, Pilgrim centres, Chapel etc 

The context of celebration of the Eucharist

The celebration of the sacrament of reconciliation

The Holy Scriptures

Prayers and Prayer life 

The Kingdom Values like,  forgiveness, love, truthfulness, fidelity, humility, service, sacrifice, Sharing, Generosity, etc 

*7) Am I ready to be under the Fig tree?*

Like Nathanael, am I ready to spend time under the fig tree? 

Nathanael, spent His valuable time under the fig tree and he found Jesus the Messiah

Like wise, if I follow the method of Nathanael, one is sure that he/she will encounter the Messiah

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*