Sittin' under the fig tree...

In biblical times the fig tree was a sign of authority.  The term, “sitting under the fig tree”, is a rabbinical term meant that you were under someone’s spiritual guidance, usually a rabbi. To “eat its fruit” would express that you were following the teachings of the person whose authority you were under. 

Have you ever seen a fig tree?  A mature fig tree is a beautiful sight; low to the ground and very full with thick branches that can spread out up to 75 feet from the trunk.  The leaves are big and thick and the big circumference along with the thick and heavy branches creates a wonderfully dark and cool place even in the heat of the Middle Eastern provinces that they grow…

As Jesus starts His earthly ministry we have the familiar story of Nathaniel becoming one of the first Disciples.  He was approached by Philip, who said:

…"We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

John 1:45

But as the Gospel continues, Nathaniel isn’t convinced but Philip persuades him to come with him and to see Jesus for himself.  When they catch up with Jesus, He makes a very complimentary comment towards Philip that catches him off guard and he wants to know how Jesus comes to this conclusion about him? And:

…Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

John 1:48

The years preceding the earthly ministry of Christ were difficult times for the Jewish people.  The Jews were desperate for the coming of the Messiah and Jewish tradition tells us that a rabbi, who hadn’t prayed for the Messiah to come, hadn’t prayed at all.  In the heat of the arid Middle East climate, the shade and comfort provided by a grand and mature fig tree would be an obvious place to do that.   Church history tells us that Nathaniel was likely a student studying to become a rabbi.  If he was under a fig tree, he very well may have been praying, and if he was praying, he was likely praying for the Messiah to come.

So when we keep these ideas in mind its no surprise at all that upon Christ saying He saw him, “under the fig tree” when Jesus couldn’t have physically seen him, it’s easy to see why Philip has no doubt that this is indeed the Son of God, the Messiah he had been praying for!

So how did Christ see Nathaniel under the fig tree?  God was drawing Nathaniel to Jesus.  Christ tells us that no one can find Him unless the Father draws him or her.  The Greek word translated “draw” is helkuo, which literally means to drag.  This drawing is a one-sided affair. God does the drawing to salvation; we being drawn have a submissive role in the process. There is no doubt that we respond to His drawing us, but the drawing itself is all on His part.

And why does God “draw” us to salvation?  Simply put, if He didn’t we would never come.  As people of the world, still following the desires of the flesh, man is not capable or can he have the desire to see and find God. 

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 


Jeremiah 17:9

While there is a general call to all man

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1

Only those who present a heart open the call of God’s grace and mercy will find their way to Him.  While all may experience the small, quiet voice of God pulling the strings of their heart into a relationship with Him, sadly, most deny the call and follow the desires of the world.  They choose the world they can see and touch over and eternal existence that can only be known for certain by faith.

As Christians in a relationship with Christ, we were all under the figurative fig tree at one time in our life.  God was drawing us into a relationship with Jesus and the Holy Spirit began to push and pull us in ways that didn’t make a lot of sense at the time.  Then something happened, and that something was usually a someone.  Someone who had the love of Christ in their life sat down and shared it with us in a way that made it all make sense.  Just like Philip brought Nathaniel to Christ from under the fig tree, someone helped us find Him too.

In a spiritual sense the world is full of fig trees.  Many are under the tree looking for many different things but we all should be trying to find the ones that God has started working on.  God was doing all the heavy work but Philip brought Nathaniel to Jesus where they could know each other completely.

God always listens so begin to pray for Him to guide you to a “Nathaniel” who only needs to have you help and point the way.  You’ll be surprised how comfortable the shade of the fig tree will be for you too!

Be encouraged,

Jeff