THE GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN: DIVINE REVELATION IN JOHN 1:47-51.

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John 1:47-51 (NIV):

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

48 “How do you know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

49 Then Nathanael declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the king of Israel.”

50 Jesus said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You will see greater things than that.”

51 He then added, “Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.”

 

Meditation :

In this passage of the Gospel of John, we witness an intimate encounter between Jesus and Nathanael, revealing profound truths about Jesus’s divine nature, His knowledge, and the faith of those who follow Him.

Deep Recognition: Jesus recognizes Nathanael even before Nathanael introduces himself. It’s an indication of Jesus’s omniscient nature. When He says, “Here truly is an Israelite in whom there is no deceit,” Jesus points to Nathanael's sincere heart and faithfulness.

Questioning Faith: Nathanael’s response, “How do you know me?”, is not just one of surprise but also of curiosity. It is a moment of divine encounter, where the known and the knower come face to face. Indeed, God knows us more that we know ourselves. He sees the heart of every person. And would love to communicate deep with us. Sometimes, we ask questions similar to that of Nathanael when life takes unexpected turns, seeking understanding and clarity. Have you ever asked yourself how God sees you and What God would say about you? To see God face to face will be our greatest joy!  

Affirmation and Revelation: Jesus’s revelation that He saw Nathanael under the fig tree is significant. The fig tree, in biblical times, symbolized peace, safety, and prosperity. Jesus was not just acknowledging that He saw Nathanael in a physical place but was also confirming Nathanael’s spiritual condition. In this affirmation, Nathanael recognizes Jesus as more than just a teacher - he acknowledges Him as the Son of God. We are expected to make similar confession of faith, not just saying Jesus is “Son of God and Messiah” but experiencing it in our lives.

Promises of Greater Wonders: Jesus assures Nathanael that the revelation under the fig tree is just the beginning. “You will see greater things than that,” Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.” It’s an invitation to a journey of faith, where every step with Jesus reveals deeper truths and wonders.

The Vision of Heaven: Jesus ends the conversation with a prophetic glimpse of His role as the mediator between Heaven and Earth. The imagery of angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man recalls Jacob’s dream in Genesis. Here, Jesus is positioning Himself as the bridge between the divine and the human, the ultimate connection between God and man. This help us understand the communion between heaven and earth that is realized in a unique way during the Holy Eucharist – the Mass. It is from this point of view that we understand better the feast of Archangels we are celebrating today. They are at the service of God and our service.

As we reflect on this passage, let’s consider our own encounters with Jesus. Do we recognize Him in the intricate details of our lives, just as He recognized Nathanael? Are we open to the wonders He promises, and do we see Him as the bridge to our heavenly Father?

This passage invites us to trust in the intimate knowledge Jesus has of each one of us, to strengthen our faith in Him as the Son of God, and to open our hearts to the greater wonders He has in store for those who believe.

 

Prayer: 

Lord Jesus, Omniscient Savior,

You saw Nathanael under the fig tree,

Just as You see us in every moment of our lives.

 

Help us to recognize Your constant presence,

To trust in Your intimate knowledge of our hearts,

And to embrace the wondrous plans You have for us.

 

Guide our questioning spirits toward Your truth,

Strengthen our faith in Your divine nature,

And let us be ever open to the wonders You promise.

 

As angels ascend and descend upon You, the Bridge to the Father,

May we too find our path to the Divine through You,

Experiencing Your love and revelation each day.

 

For you live and reign with the Father, in the Unity of the Holy Spirit, one God for ever and ever, Amen! 🙏🙏🙏

 

 

 


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