God who sees me

John 1:48 (NIVUK)

‘How do you know me?’ Nathanael asked.
Jesus answered, ‘I saw you while you were still under the fig-tree before Philip called you.’

Nathanael asked, ‘How do you know me?’ (48a) Nathanael never expected someone was watching over him so close at all times. But God was. So was the Son of God.

The answer of Jesus in v48b indicates that Jesus saw Nathanael before he came to see Jesus. When Nathanael heard this answer from Jesus was the moment that Nathanael would realise that God loved him and looked after him always.

It was the Jewish custom of rabbis to study the Law under a vine, fig tree, or olive tree [1]. Nathanael might be studying the Law under fig-tree before Philip called him (48b). Nathanael might be reading the story of Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel (Genesis 25:19 - Genesis 34:1-32).

As Jesus said, “The Father seeks the true worshippers, who worship the Father in the Spirit and truth.” (John 4:23, A relevant message), God will find and see us whether we may be studying the Holy Bible under a fig tree, at home or at church as He did Nathanael.

Hagar was mistreated but helped by the angel of God and confessed, ‘You are the God who sees me’ in Genesis 16:13.

References
[1] Bircher, Gerald L. The New American Commentary: John 1-11.