Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, Steve Sveom.
Our theme during this season is “You are invited to Come and See.” Our scripture reading for this week is John 1:35-51. The invitation to “come and see” is given by Jesus to Andrew and another of John’s disciples and by Philip to Nathanael. This invitation is gracious and without a predetermined outcome. We, too, are invited to have open eyes to see and find God’s work being done.
The story of Nathanael’s and encounter with Jesus is intriguing to me. Philip told Nathanael to “Come and see.”
As Nathanael approached Jesus, Jesus said “Here is truly an Israelite in whom there is no deceit!”
“Where did you get to know me?” asked Nathanael.
Jesus responded, “I saw you under a fig tree before Philip called you.”
Nathanael responded in faith.
Was Nathanael simply impressed by some apparent foreknowledge demonstrated by Jesus? Was there some supernatural insight going on?
That’s not likely the case. What did Nathanael “see?” The prophets Micah and Zechariah help us understand. According to the prophets, to be under the fig tree could refer to two things: first, the prophets proclaimed peace and security as part of God’s will – peace and security would come when each person had economic justice – symbolized by a fig tree of their own to provide food and shelter. To be under the fig tree was also a symbol of being able to study the Torah. Study of the word was a way to encounter God. So, Jesus was telling Nathanael that Jesus was revealed by scripture and that Nathanael had already met Jesus there. And, the purpose of Jesus, the work of the Messiah was to bring peace and justice to the world.
We, too, are invited to “Come and see” the Messiah in the word and to encounter God in works of peace and justice.
Prayer: We give you thanks, most gracious God, for your invitation to us. Let us see your work of justice and peace and know that you are revealed to us. Amen.