Reflection
Coming at the end of the first chapter of John’s gospel, today’s reading presents Jesus’ encounter with Nathaniel and here he gives us a powerful insight into his divine identity. Jesus starts by surprising Nathaniel by knowing much more about him than Nathaniel thought. Jesus says “here is truly an Israelite in whom there is not deceit”. Nathaniel asks Jesus how he knows him. His response “I saw you under the fig tree before Phillip called you” means that Jesus knew Nathaniel before actually meeting him in person. Nathaniel realizes how extraordinary this is and responds “Rabbi, you are the son of God! You are the King of Israel”.
Jesus does not reject his confession, but adds an interesting prediction: “You will see greater things than this”. Nathaniel becomes a follower of Jesus of some sort – he is mentioned again in John 21:2, as among those who encountered the resurrected Christ on the shore while fishing. Some biblical scholars think Nathaniel was actually the same person as the apostle Bartholomew. Regardless, he did indeed see greater thangs than he saw that day where he met Jesus.
Jesus then says “Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man”. This recalls Genesis 28, where Jacob had a vision of the ladder between heaven and earth. Jacob’s vision is fulfilled in Jesus, who is the meeting place between man and God. Through Jesus, heaven itself is opened.
This is imagery for the incarnation. Jesus is not merely a teacher or prophet; he is God incarnate. He unites humanity and divinity in Himself. He is the one through which humanity encounters the Father.
This passage of course, is also an invitation to all Christians. Like Nathaniel, we may begin with questions and doubts. But Christ is always calling us to deeper faith. Christian conversion is a lifelong process. For every Christian there are always “greater things” yet to see. Faith begins with encountering Jesus. It reaches it fulfillment as we increasingly discover who he truly is and through his sacrifice find communion with God.
Question for reflection: What greater things is Jesus calling me to in my life?