He Sees You

“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.’"—John 1:48

Have you ever felt that everything you’ve done goes unnoticed? Have you ever wondered whether all your sacrifice and labor is overlooked? I think we all have at one time or another. We know the time, sacrifice, sweat and tears that go into our labor, but we also must remember that God sees everything we are doing or have done. Nothing we have done has escaped His ever-watchful eye.

In today’s passage, Jesus had just called Philip to follow Him in discipleship. Philip then proceeds to invite Nathan to see Jesus. While on his way, Jesus sees him and says to him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" (v. 47). Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” (v. 48). Jesus answers, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you” (v. 48).

Jesus sees us in a way that no one else can or does. He knows all of our sins and sacrifices, hurts and helps, fears and frustrations, dreams and desires. He knows our work, our worship, and all of the things we have done in His name. Not one thing has gone unnoticed. He sees us when no one else does, just like He saw Nathanael.

Nathanael was amazed that Jesus saw him under the fig tree and responded, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!” (v. 49). Jesus then tells him, “Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these" (v. 50). And then He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man" (v. 51).

It was a small thing for Jesus to see Nathanael under the fig tree because, as the divine Son of God, He can use His omnipresence to see and know things that we could not. But as His followers we can take notice that He sees us and knows the true intentions of our heart. He knows who we are better than we know ourselves.

Do you think that Jesus has somehow overlooked your labor? Take heart and know that He knows and sees everything you are doing. He will honor the works and sacrifices done in His name. Not one of them will be overlooked. It may seem that no one notices or cares about your work, but God does. He will reward you for all you have done in His name. Take heart and find rest in the knowledge that your work is not in vain and you will reap a harvest if you do not give up! Amen.