Who is Jesus? Part 24, Sneaking up on Jesus
John 1:35-38, 47-50
Once upon a time, two men tried to sneak up on Jesus. They wanted to observe him, not to meet with him. They failed.
35 The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, 36 and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. 38 Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”
47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards him and said of him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to him, “How do you know me?” Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered him, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” 50 Jesus answered him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree’, do you believe? You will see greater things than these.”
John 1:35-38, 47-50
What follows is a look at the structure of these verses. My autistic brain is fascinated with the structure of things, but I’m not sure if I have the language skills to put into words what my mind is saying, so even if I’ve got it right, I am unlikely to have made it clear. If you want to skip on to what this means, you can skip down to the break.
This is quite an interesting observation! Verses 35-38 represent the second or B section of a song that beautifully showcases the structure of a Chiasm. A Chiasm, which signifies crossing over, is a powerful form employed in nearly all Psalms, reflecting a repetition of similar ideas in reverse order. This thoughtful arrangement resonates with the B’ section found in verses 47-50, creating a connection that adds depth to the message.
This B’ part of the main chiasm is like a heartfelt layer within a more intimate chiasm, presenting a song-within-the-song that beautifully encompasses the C’, B’, and A’ segments. As I take the time to explore this song as a complete piece, I’m approaching the B/B’ section with care and consideration.
Sorry to make that sound complicated, it really isn’t. Hopefully the rest will make better sense. It’s improved now. I have used AI to change the tone, but I have not rewritten what I have written, and I fear it may still come off as confusing.
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There are three sets of words in Part B that connect with the sentiments expressed in Part B’ (the two passages quoted above). These words – “saw,” “Rabbi,” and the phrase “Lamb of God/Son of God” – reflect a shared understanding.
Saw
Jesus sees.
I understand the deep longing behind this passage, which aims to celebrate Jesus and is expressed in the beautiful form of a song, much like the heartfelt lyrics found in many psalms. This truly is a song of praise.
The repetition of the word saw holds deep significance, reflecting Jesus’ ability to know what is really going on behind what is going on. He recognised the quiet presence of John’s two disciples who were observing him from afar, and with compassion, he noticed Nathaniel, who was resting under the tree, revealing his gentle understanding of those around him.
Jesus understands. There’s no reason to hide from Him; He perceives your presence and senses when people are intrigued by Him, yet hesitate to draw near or commit fully.
Two meaningful possibilities could have unfolded when Jesus warmly said, “I saw you” to Nathaniel. Perhaps Jesus perceived Nathaniel through a heartfelt vision, or maybe, as he walked by the tree where Nathaniel sat, the Holy Spirit guided him with a comforting word. Regardless of the circumstances, it is clear that Jesus was wholeheartedly ready to embrace Nathaniel on that day.
Rabbi
Both the pair of John’s disciples and Nathaniel referred to Jesus as Rabbi, meaning Teacher.
For that pair of John’s disciples, can you imagine the warmth flooding their faces as they realise they’ve been noticed? I truly believe their response holds weight. John the Baptist found himself not in the bustling heart of Jerusalem, but rather in a quiet, distant place, on the eastern bank of the river Jordan. Back then, travelling was a challenge; whether by foot, on horseback, or via a cart pulled by horses or oxen, most journeys crept along at no more than 4 miles an hour, about 6.5 kilometres per hour. In those moments, Jesus was searching for a place to rest and find solace.
As for Nathaniel, he was in a position of sarcasm when Jesus said, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!” (Trust me on this as I’m out of sequence here). Nathaniel was hiding too. Using sarcasm to hide who he really was. Jesus saw through his mask. The very next thing Nataniel says is, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” What a transformation. Jesus being able to see through Nathaniel’s mask enables Nathaniel to see who Jesus really is.
Lamb of God/Son of God.
The third aspect that beautifully links the verses about the disciples of John the Baptist with those concerning Nathaniel is found in a subtle yet profound contrast: the heartfelt phrases “Lamb of God” and “Son of God.”
The Lamb of God beautifully captures John’s understanding of who Jesus is; knowledge he’d received directly from God. This declaration is the final message from John’s unique viewpoint in the Bible. During that time, many Jews were yearning for the Christ—the Messiah in Hebrew, and the Anointed in English—hoping for the promise of redemption. Yet, it’s essential to ponder: what was this Anointed anointed to do?
At that time, the land was under Roman jurisdiction, which presented a unique challenge for the Jewish people. They held onto hope for a Messiah who would inspire unity and resilience, leading them towards a brighter future. While facing oppression, the Jews saw themselves as brave fighters for justice, envisioning a time of freedom from harsh rule. John’s declaration about Jesus may have surprised them, but it also offered a new perspective: the promise of spiritual liberation and renewal, focusing on healing their hearts and souls for a greater purpose.
The Son of God, in Nathaniel’s eyes, embodies the hope he has for the King of Israel. While Nathaniel might have envisioned a military Messiah, it’s clear that something deeper is unfolding within him. Without him fully grasping it, Jesus represents the King of all who have experienced transformation, those whose hearts have been stirred by God’s gentle love.
Do you find yourself in one of these groups? Perhaps you desire to observe Jesus from afar without truly engaging, or maybe you’re wearing a mask to shield your true self. It’s understandable if fear is holding you back—whether it prevents you from connecting with Jesus or drives you to hide who you really are out of a concern for rejection. You’re not alone in feeling this way; many share similar struggles.
Jesus deeply understands you and eagerly wants to connect with you; there’s nothing to fear because his love and care envelop you. Jesus sees the true you behind the mask; he will joyfully embrace you as you are, mask or not, and encourages you to be your authentic self. Embrace this moment: allow him to gently lift that mask, the one you’ve worn due to past hurts or rejections, as he assures you that you are safe and cherished here.
Making an ass of myself 