Thoughts on the Gospel of John (18) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Jesus answered and said to him (Nathanael), Because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree, do you believe? You will see greater things than these. And he said to him, Most assuredly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.
John 1:50.51

Thoughts on the Gospel of John (18)
"Come and see!" This was Philip's invitation for Nathanael to get to know their long expected Messiah. After Nathanael had seen Jesus and heard Him, he was absolutely convinced: He was the Son of God, the king of Israel.

Fresh horizons open up for whoever has seen and been affected by the glory of Jesus. From then on Nathanael was to know Jesus as the Son of man. Although David uses this title in Psalm 8, Nathanael was clearly not acquainted with it.

What is so great and special about the Son of man? His unlimited dominion over the entire universe: "In that he put all in subjection under him, he left nothing that is not put under him" is the explanation of Psalm 8 in Hebrews 2:8. Not only will He rule as king over a nation; through Him God's counsel concerning heaven and earth will be enacted. He who was rejected as the Messiah and crucified between heaven and earth will one day reign over all and bring heaven and earth together in harmonious unity.

Angels were to ascend and descend upon the Son of man, i.e. they will honour and serve Him. For a short period previously, however, He was made "lower than the angels for the suffering of death" (Hebrews 2:9). The full significance of the title "Son of man" would be incomplete, if any mention of His death were omitted.

(to be continued next Sunday)

Today's reading: 2 Chronicles 10:1-19 · Revelation 2:1-7