John 1:47-49, "Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile! Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I SAW THEE. Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel."
Jesus was the Word made flesh, and I can't help but believe that Nathanael was praying to His God under that fig tree, and His God "saw" him. I also believe that Nathanael knew that God had heard him, and that is the reason for his reaction.
Do any of you have any thoughts on this?
2007-12-26 06:35:43 · 10 answers · asked by Elder Woman 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I think Nathaniel was a doubter, a cynic, and probably at the end of his rope of belief in anything good coming out of towns called Nazareth.
I think Jesus uses such people, not the prayer warriors, but the cynics, that are at the end of their rope. It's then that revelation takes hold in people's hearts and they serve with undying devotion.
I think Jesus brings us all to the point of disbelief and cynicism in the world, shows us a true revelation and turns our thinking 180 degrees.
2007-12-26 07:08:49 · answer #1 · answered by PJ 2 · 5⤊ 1⤋
No guile suggests speaking no subtilty, deceit, or craft; And concerning an Israelite that is something to behold, indeed.
Being under the fig tree (Israel) speaks of being under Law, which Nathanael perceived the Son of God was; and therefore calls him the King of Israel.
But upon being flattered with Rabbi, Son of God, and King of Israel, for having insight about Nathanael, Jesus says hey, law insight is nothing to believe in, wait till you see greater things than these, such as grace and truth, which makes law pale in comparison, when the two glories are compared.
For according to Solomon the wise guy, also King of Israel at it's greatest and most peaceful time, law was all vanity and vexation of spirit; But understanding is the ultimate thing to get, and when it's embraced the result is thy head is crowned, with grace glory, the true glory of the only true God.
His Grace--> Mercy ---> Peace with you all. Amen.
2007-12-26 13:48:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
I think it was probably a manifestation of the spiritual gift known as the "Word of Knowledge".
We see this operative in Jesus often. Another example is the Samaritan woman by the well of Sychar. Perhaps Nathanael had just been praying to God to send Messiah. I like what followed when Jesus alluded to Jacob's vision of a ladder with angels ascending and descending and stated in effect "I am that ladder between heaven and earth" "I am that "Bethel", or "House of God".
2007-12-26 06:56:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 0⤋
He was praying for the Messiah to come..
there was no guile in him...
he loved God Almighty with his whole heart...
his prayer was answered.
He was the first to recognize Jesus as the Savior.
2007-12-26 10:22:37 · answer #4 · answered by troll to troll 7 · 6⤊ 0⤋
You missed Jesus point!
He was showing that he was present in spiritual form prior to his birth with Mary.
2007-12-26 06:42:22 · answer #5 · answered by Wisdom 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
He was praying and Jesus knew he was there.
2007-12-27 02:05:29 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Enjoying the company of a young lady.
2007-12-26 07:54:07 · answer #7 · answered by Michael M 4 · 0⤊ 4⤋
I never considered that before, but that sounds very possible.
Well done!
2007-12-26 06:41:36 · answer #8 · answered by Linda J 7 · 5⤊ 1⤋
It's a truly wonderful part of a big hoax.
.
2007-12-26 06:43:50 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 7⤋
whipping his weasel.
2007-12-26 06:48:32 · answer #10 · answered by Just Me 5 · 0⤊ 6⤋