Jesus describes Nathanael as a true Israelite without any guile or pretension. He seems to be an honest seeker of truth, positioning himself beneath the fig tree, in a posture of assiduously searching the Scriptures. When Philip points out that he found the Messiah and that the Messiah came from Nazareth, Nathanael is quick to dismiss such possibility. His honesty is very disarming when he echoes the disparaging sentiments of his contemporaries over the nondescript town of Nazareth. When he finally comes face-to-face with Jesus who tells him how he had seen him earlier under the fig tree, Nathanael changes his tone of speaking and professes belief in Jesus. Jesus promises to Nathanael that he will see greater things than what he has already seen at that time. Jesus speaks about the angels of God “ascending and descending on the Son of Man” (v 51). Jesus opens Nathanael’s mind to the greater truth about Jesus and his glorious Kingdom in heaven. What people on earth understand about Jesus will always remain minuscule compared to the grandness of his heavenly glory. One reminder of such glory is the reality of ministering spirits known as angels and archangels basking in the glory of Jesus as the Son of God.

As I watched: Thrones were set up and the Ancient One took his throne. His clothing was bright as snow, and the hair on his head as white as wool; His throne was flames of fire, with wheels of burning fire. A surging stream of fire flowed out from where he sat; Thousands upon thousands were ministering to him, and myriads upon myriads attended him.

The court was convened, and the books were opened. As the visions during the night continued, I saw One like a son of man coming, on the clouds of heaven; When he reached the Ancient One and was presented before him, He received dominion, glory, and kingship; nations and peoples of every language serve him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that shall not be taken away, his kingship shall not be destroyed.

Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, “Here is a true child of Israel. There is no duplicity in him.” Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under the fig tree.” Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than this.” And he said to him, “Amen, amen, I say to you, you will see the sky opened and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2025,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.