Did Jesus Catch or Comfort This Guy? The Text Isn’t Clear. Or Is It?

Are you one of those who prefer it straight forward and see things only one way? You know, concrete! Or are you more abstract and can read between the lines to see a bigger picture?

Some like a little ambiguity, others, not so much. God gives us both in Scripture. He tells it like it is, but then at times leaves room for different interpretations of an event or passage.

Whether you like that or not, God didn’t ask your opinion! But I will.

In John 1:48, what did Jesus mean when He told Nathanael that He saw him under the tree? Should Nathanael repent or rejoice?

There is a universal need among males and females alike – the need to be seen – to sense that somebody other than you “knows” and cares about what’s going on in your life or in the moment.

As I’ve grown older, understanding who Jesus is has become far more important than knowing what Jesus does. I hunger to know Him – the Person behind the precepts and pages of Scripture.

Did Jesus catch Nathanael doing something behind that tree or comfort him? He’s all-knowing and always-everywhere, right?

Your answer reveals a lot about your perception of Jesus.

To see what Jesus does is to desire to know Him for who He is. When Adam and Eve hid in a desperate moment, God saw them before they heard from Him. He does that with us too.

I envision Nathanael behind that tree crying out of the universal condition of pain, frustration, emptiness, uncertainty, desire (add yours) and asking God, “do you see me?!” only to get crickets.

No answer, nothing but silence. But later comes the answer: “I saw you”, I heard you, I know you.

I answer at the perfect time, not your preferred time. Let God’s ambiguity give way to amazement.

Concrete or abstract, whenever and wherever you’re hiding, hurting, or honestly wondering if He even exists, take comfort, He isn’t “catching” you or condemning you. He’s preparing His answer.

As we get to know Jesus, not just about Jesus, we’ll have moments behind that tree. I’m learning that He doesn’t just see us from the perspective of divinity, Jesus sees us through His humanity.

He’s been there too! And He shows up personally.

If you’re wondering, take comfort, God sees you, hears you, knows you, and will answer in ways that will cause you to know Him better, reverence Him more, and rejoice (49).

If you’ve been a believer for long you’ve had moments behind the tree. Recall how the answer came later, or the friend showed up in a text, call, note or chance encounter. Rejoice, He sees you.

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