Remember in Genesis, after Adam and Eve sinned by eating the forbidden fruit? The two “sewed fig leaves together” to cover their nakedness.

Fig trees, like the one pictured below, are also mentioned in the New Testament. If allowed to grow naturally, they appear more bush-like.

In John’s gospel, we find Jesus gaining disciples. At one point, Jesus finds Philip and invites him to follow. Then Philip eagerly tells Nathanael, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote” (John 1:45). After a little persuasion, Nathanael agrees to “come and see.”

Nathanael is surprised when he meets Jesus. Jesus gives Nathanael a greeting that indicates He already knows him, including his character as a man of integrity. Taken aback, Nathanael asks how Jesus knows him.

“Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you’” (John 1:48). Nathanael is so awed at Jesus’ insight that he immediately acknowledges Jesus as the Son of God.

Now, I’m curious why Nate is so amazed. Fig trees are shady so it is not unusual to sit under one. Did Nate find one that was more bush-like? Was he hiding under it? Having a personal time of distress or doubt? Or, as portrayed in “The Chosen” series, was He feeling unseen by God?

Whatever it was, when Jesus said, “I saw you,” it touched Nathanael’s heart dramatically and changed his life forever.

I want to encourage you, friends, that God sees you too. He knows everything about you and still chooses you to come and follow Him. If you do, it will be a journey you will never regret.