Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.” Nathanael replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” Jesus answered, “Do you believe because I told you that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things than these.” And he said to him, “Very truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.” John 1:48-51 NRSV
I love how Jesus responds to Nathanael. What do you think he means when he speaks of angels ascending and descending? Perhaps he is only waxing poetic? Or possibly he is preparing this man for the ride of his life? In the gospels we certainly see a glimpse of what "heaven opened" must be like. In a tangible sense the ministry of Christ shows us what it is like if God visited planet earth. Through the compassion of Jesus the eternal One is revealed.
Jesus' invitation to walk with him has never been one to live an ordinary life. Our confession of his kingship, like that of Nathanael, opens a door to a life, and a God, that we never knew existed. Acknowledging Jesus as King is a proclamation that changes our life forever and causes us to pray for God's kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.
Lord, You are the King! I need you so much today. I want to see the greater things of heaven opened in my life.
... this devotion is part of an ongoing series on the Gospel of John.
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