NOTES for Joh 1:43-51

This passage of the Gospel is infinitely precious as an example of a deeply personal relationship with God. What happened under the fig tree? We do not know, and this is very important, because it is understood only by Nathanael and God; here we encounter the sharpest personalism. And for Nathanael it was something very important. We should not guess what it might have been, but let us notice that as soon as he spoke with Jesus about it, he believed. The fig tree thus becomes a symbol of conversion. Each of us has our own fig tree. We treasure it and draw spiritual strength from it. But the fig tree is not the only important thing. What was essential for Nathanael’s conversion was that he and the Lord spoke about it. Moreover, the Lord spoke first. This too is very important. Our prayer is always a response to the Lord’s call. Until this is so, it is not prayer, but rather self-persuasion. Hardly any believer can say that his faith is his own choice. If that is the case, then it is not faith but a system of convictions. We are always found by the Lord, just as the apostles were found by Him, and in obedience to an unknown power we leave everything and follow Him.