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“As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.”“How do you know about me?” Nathanael asked. Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you.” Then Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God—the King of Israel!” – John 1:47-49.
We try to go to church on Sunday or say a few prayers throughout the week. If we’re honest, these moments can often feel like a momentary deviation from “business as usual,” with life quickly returning to “normal” once the prayers or worship service has concluded. Are we missing the fact that God intends for our life of faith to be far more integrated and interwoven than we commonly think?
There are plenty of activities in our lives that, on the surface, seem to have nothing to do with our lives with God. The morning jog, filling a prescription, studying for that exam, and eating dinner just doesn’t feel to us like “spiritual” events. They seem separate from our spiritual life. When faith lives on the margins of your life, it is easy to ignore, dismiss, and forget that God is there, not just in the fringes but in every moment of every day. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians, “When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all” (1 Corinthians 15:28 ESV).
It is easy to overlook the extraordinary ways Jesus seeks to engage with us. As Nathanael discovered in John 1:43-51, our most commonplace moments can become the backdrop for divine encounters. Nathanael, skeptical at first about Jesus of Nazareth, soon found himself face-to-face with the reality that Jesus was the Son of God. This discovery did not come in some divine miracle or amid some grand temple but under a fig tree.
Nathanael’s initial doubt, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” (John 1:46), mirrors his preconceptions and biases. Yet, this story is another reminder that God often works outside our expectations, inviting us to discover Him in the unexpected and everyday places of our lives. “Philip went to look for Nathanael and told him, “We have found the very person Moses and the prophets wrote about! His name is Jesus, the son of Joseph from Nazareth….“Come and see for yourself,” Philip replied….Jesus replied, “I could see you under the fig tree before Philip found you ” (John 1:45-48).
The invitation from Philip, “Come and see,” is extended to us daily, urging us to look beyond our presuppositions and be open to encountering Jesus in new and surprising ways.
As you go about your day, remember that each moment holds the potential for a divine encounter. Whether you’re at work, at home, or in transit, Jesus is present and actively seeking a relationship with you. Seek Jesus with an open heart and mind, ready to be amazed by where and how He reveals Himself to you.
Discussion Questions:
- Where are the “fig tree” moments in your life? Reflect on the ordinary, everyday places and situations where you might be overlooking the presence of Jesus. How can you become more attuned to His presence in these moments?
- Consider how your expectations might limit your encounters with Jesus. What steps can you take to open your heart to experiencing Jesus beyond these preconceptions?