I once heard it said that curiosity can lead one to great sin. But in today’s Gospel from John 1:45-51, I think some curiosity led Nathanael to Jesus. Philip had told Nathanael that they had found the “one” about whom Moses wrote in the law. I can relate a little to Nathanael’s reply because I can come back with some dingers when questioning what someone tells me. Nathanael says … “can anything good come from Nazareth?” Ouch! Philip says … “come and see” and that feeds into Nathanael’s curiosity.
Jesus tells Nathanael a few things about Nathanael. I laugh again because I think of our own human nature when one thinks they know more about someone than they actually do. But Jesus’ words were true and Nathanael asks … “how do you know me?” Jesus tells Nathanael … “before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Those words would not mean too much to me as maybe many would have seen me under a fig tree, sleeping, praying or resting. But Nathanael’s response leads me to believe that the fig tree that Jesus was talking about had to do with the heart of Nathanael. I think those words of Jesus spoke directly to his heart so profoundly that Nathanael replied … “Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel.”
Jesus, may our hearts always be open to accept your Word. When our hearts are open to you, you leave no doubt that you are the Son of God, the King of Israel and our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Seeking To Reflect Jesus 