When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching he said of him, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit.” “How do 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.”

John 1:47-49

The first time I saw this conversation between Jesus and Nathanael, it was from an Instagram Reel with a clip from the TV series The Chosen. Yesterday I was reading the Gospel of John and stumbled again on their encounter so I wanted to share it today.

The quote is a bit unusual compared to what I usually post because it doesn’t have a clear message of some action to take. It is rather a motivational quote showcasing the faith of Nathanael and proof of Jesus’ title as the Son of God or as he calls himself few verses after, the Son of Man.

Nathanael thought God left him and didn’t hear him when he was at his lowest. Jesus by saying he saw him under the fig tree proved to Nathanael two things, firstly that Jesus is one with God and secondly that He didn’t leave him.

Here is a clip from the show I mentioned, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.